Heather Rensberry Memorial Foundation
Helping young players in Alpena and the surrounding community get on the ice, learn the game and keep playing, in memory of a goalie who loved to teach it.
In memory of Heather Lynn Rensberry, 1986–2021
A goalie who made room for new players
Heather Rensberry was born in Alpena and called it home. Her published obituary remembers her as a hockey goalie and a hockey coach. In 2023, The Alpena News reported that she was the winning goalie and MVP in the first year of a local adult tournament, that she encouraged the people around her, and that helping new goalies, young and old, was one of her favorite things.
The foundation carries that spirit forward. Its work centers on something Heather was known for: helping newer players, and especially goaltenders, find their footing in the game.
What the foundation supports
Five connected focus areas, all aimed at the same outcome: more young people in the Alpena area playing hockey and growing through it.
Goaltender development
Goaltending is its own craft, with its own equipment and its own learning curve. The foundation supports opportunities for young goalies to train, practice and grow in the position Heather played.
Read moreYouth hockey participation
Encouraging children to try the game and keep playing, whatever their starting point.
Read moreEquipment and resources
Helping reduce the cost of the gear that can keep a family from signing up.
Read moreAccess to ice time
Supporting practice and skill-development time on the ice for young athletes.
Read moreCommunity hockey activities
Memorial events and local gatherings that bring players and families together.
Read moreThese are charitable focus areas that describe what the foundation works toward. They are not open application programs. Families and community members can contact the foundation to ask about current opportunities.
Getting a child onto the ice takes more than enthusiasm
Hockey asks a lot of a family before a child ever plays a game: skates that fit, protective gear, sticks, registration and time on a sheet of ice. Goaltenders need a separate set of equipment and position-specific coaching that many young players never get the chance to try.
Those costs add up, and they can decide whether a child who wants to play gets the chance. The foundation exists to chip away at that, one practical need at a time, so that interest and effort count for more than a family’s budget.
Youth hockey also gives back more than hockey. Showing up for early practices, learning a position, trusting teammates and handling a tough loss are lessons that follow kids well beyond the rink.
Try the game
A first chance to skate, hold a stick or step into the crease, without the cost of a full set of gear standing in the way.
Build real skills
Practice time and good instruction, including goalie-specific coaching, so progress is steady and confidence grows.
Stay in the game
Ongoing access to equipment and ice time as kids grow, so players who love the sport can keep at it season after season.
The community carries the legacy forward
The Heather Rensberry Memorial Coed Hockey Tournament began as an adult tournament in Alpena. After Heather passed away in 2021, it was dedicated to her memory. Public reporting on the 2023 and 2024 tournaments describes money raised for youth hockey programs, goalie clinics, equipment and ice time.
That is the pattern the foundation builds on: adults who love the game making room for the kids who are just starting out.
Lend a hand
Volunteer interest, local hockey support and practical help. Ways to get involved
Give
Financial gifts, tributes and fundraising in Heather’s memory. Support the foundation
Spread the word
Tell families who could use a hand that the foundation is here. What the foundation supports
Help a young player get on the ice
The foundation handles donation inquiries by email. That way you can confirm the giving methods currently available, and how your support will be directed, before you give.
About the organization
- Legal name
- HEATHER RENSBERRY MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
- EIN
- 93-3969756
- Tax status
- Listed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States
- Registered address
- 8795 French Rd, Alpena, MI 49707-9388
- Area served
- Alpena, Michigan, and the surrounding community
You can confirm the foundation’s status through the IRS. How to verify nonprofit information
Get in touch
Email is the best way to reach the foundation with questions about support, events or giving.
info@heatherrensberrymemorialfoundation.org
HEATHER RENSBERRY MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
8795 French Rd
Alpena, MI 49707-9388
United States