The Sabres have partnered with sponsor Kaleida Health on the Buffalo Sabres Newborn Program. Beginning on Jan. 1, all babies born at two Buffalo area hospitals will receive a Sabres blanket and a certificate inscribed, “Future 1st Round Draft Pick” featuring the Sabres logo and the signature of team Owner Terry Pegula. “We feel that for everyone born in Western New York, being a Sabres fan is a part of your DNA,” said Sabres President Ted Black. “This program welcomes them, right at the cradle.” The two participating hospitals, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital and Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, are part of the Kaleida Health system. Kaleida is the largest healthcare provider in Western New York, serving eight counties in the region. Black described Kaleida Health as “one of our top sponsors,” but declined to share details of the partnership. Pegula is not an investor in Kaleida. The Newborn program runs through '13, then the team and the sponsor will evaluate it. Black said it could extend to more hospitals, including some in Southern Ontario, where the Sabres battle for fans with the Maple Leafs. Kaleida Health made suggestions on safe material for the blanket, which is 85% cotton and 15% polyester, and yellow with the Sabres logo on the front. The back of the blanket features the Sabres logo, the team’s “We Live Hockey” word mark, the number ’13 (signifying the year) and the Kaleida Health "Buffalo Baby" logo. The “Future 1st Round Draft Pick” baby certificate features the Sabres logo, a Kaleida Health “Buffalo Baby” logo and the child’s name, date of birth, time, height, weight and birthplace, along with Pegula’s signature.
