The Hoffen Foundation was established in the summer of 2003 after a chain of events changed the lives of the establishing three directors. In June of the previous year (2002) Tim Zemens was diagnosed with cancer. The successful surgery was followed by special radiation offered in only a few places in the United States. Tim has spent nine winters as a hockey referee in the minor leagues around his home in Arlington, Texas. The cancer was also a shock to the tight knit hockey community in which he belongs.
The special radiation was offered to Tim in two places, Seattle, Washington and Detroit, Michigan, Tim’s place of 
birth. He returned to Detroit and reunited with his family in a time of great uncertainty. Tim spent the next three weeks visiting family and friends all the while taking radiation treatments on a daily basis. The family history, coupled with little success the Zemens family has seen in similar battles with the disease, specifically the loss of their mother, father, and oldest brother did not aid in the treatment process.
Tim’s treatment in Michigan lasted three weeks and then he returned to Texas to continue another 7 weeks of the standard radiation protocol at a hospital near his home. Radiation treatments ended on, of all days, September 11th, 2002, the one-year anniversary of the terrorists attacks in New York and Washington, DC.
Purpose
T
he main focus is to assist children with differing
diseases, disabilities and socioeconomic challenges by raising money to enhance the ability of existing organizations to provide new programs and ongoing assistance. That assistance may be in the form of toys during the holidays, clothes and educational supplies for the school year, financial assistance for medical facilities, organizations or needs, funding to support outings to stimulate children’s imaginations and opportunities to engage in activities they may otherwise not experience.
program had the Captains of each Central Hockey League team wearing the “Caps for Courage” logo on their jersey for one game and then auctioned off. The proceeds were then donated back to each team’s charity of choice.
Hoffen Foundation Director Tim Zemens (and Square D employee) for his dedication to charity and giving back to the community. Tim was one of 5 employees in North America who received Square D’s Alliance Award for making a difference in their community. The award was accompanied by a $1000.00 donation from the Square D Foundation. 
Anthony Donskov of the Lubbock Cotton Kings) was reborn, which sold custom designed hats as a fund raiser and also as giveaways at area hospitals when Central Hockey League and Hoffen Foundation representatives visit hospitals. The hat’s logo illustrates the desire of the hockey community’s commitment to children. The name of the program “Caps for Courage” reflects the tough fight many children go through when undergoing hospital treatments. 
Hockey Game, The Brahmas are a great example for all teams, leagues and organizations. They have also contributed to each of the Hoffen Foundation golf tournaments, as well as donations to area hospitals, in support of the Foundation. They are simply the best. Donations to JPS Hospital, Cook Children’s Medical Center, and the Ronald McDonald House in Ft. Worth, Texas were from programs in which they teamed up with the Hoffen Foundation.
to the growth of the Foundation. O’Brien competed in the 200 meter butterfly and the 200 meter backstroke for Canada in Athens. “The good things this organization brings to children and the dedication illustrated by the directors and supporters should be an inspiration to us all.” Nate plans to make appearances as his schedule allows at various Hoffen Foundation events. 
referee). The Halifax, Nova Scotia, native has been a supporter of the Foundation since its inception. “I see the great things that the Foundation does. Tim (Zemens) brings the same determination to the Foundation that he brought to officiating. I am not surprised at the Foundation’s success and look forward to continue helping anyway I can.” 
Gord’s support of the Hoffen Foundation started when he attended his first NHL training camp. He donated a NHL referee’s sweater signed by all officials who attended the 2003/2004 camp. His gift was used as an auction item.