The Green Bay Gamblers hosted their 6th Annual Military Night on Saturday, October 28 at the Resch Center. A season-high crowd of 4,363 was treated to a 5-4 win over the Sioux Falls Stampede. The highlight of the night was the contribution of $35,000 to the local chapter of Disabled American Veterans. The DAV will purchase a new transport vehicle with the funds.
For the past six-years the presenting sponsor of Military Night has been the Animal Referral Center. Since 2013, Military Night has raised $118,000, all of which has stayed right here in Northeast Wisconsin to assist our veterans. Proceeds are generated from 100% of helmet/jersey auction, sponsorship and ticket sales.
“Helping those locally is something we take great pride in,” says Gamblers Team President Brendan Bruss. “The local chapter of the DAV provides a much needed service to our local veterans and for us to have a positive impact on that program is something we are very proud of.”
In 2016 the local chapter of the DAV provided transportation for 39,197 veterans, logging over 885,000 miles.
With each goal scored on Saturday, 26 separate businesses and private citizens each donated $100.00 through the Goals for the Military promotion. The Gamblers responded with a season-high five goals, bringing the total to $13,000. Goals for the Military partners include:
ABT Foundations, Allegra Printing, Aurora BayCare, Belmark, Bruss Family, Buffalo Wild Wings, C and C Custom Builders, Certa Pro Painters, Conger Industries, Culver’s, D2, Dan Chambers, Disabled American Veterans, Jeff & Ginny Dowd, Drift Inn, Exhaust Pro’s, Fox Communities Credit Union, Green Bay Packers, Jewitt Family, Kaminski Dental, Menominee Casino Resort, Mid State Supply, Meijer Foods, Mikesch Family, Packerland Heating & Cooling, Dan Parsley, Pearly Gates, PMI Board of Directors, Pure Water Technology, Pizza Ranch, S & L Motors, School House, Screamin Head Buzz, Sound Check, SportClips, The Fan,Tom Vandersteen, Vietnam Veterans of America, Ken & Erika Wachter, Wild West Studios, WAPL, WFRV, WIXX, WZOR, Y-100 and Young Smiles Pediatric Dental.
Along with raising funds the Gamblers also honored the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Honorary captains included United States Army, Corporal Matt Kempainen, United States Marine Corps Corporal Deb Nooyen, United States Navy, Retired Chief Tom Beverly, United States Air Force Retired Master Sergeant Holly Hoppie and United States Coast Guard BM2 Dan Parsley.
Ceremonial puck drop included Lisa Peters of the Animal Referral Center, Former United States Army Sergeant and current WFRV reporter Steve Dent and United States Marine Corp Staff Sergeant
Jose C. Mendozavasquez.
Flag was presented at center ice by the Desert Veterans of Wisconsin. Colors were presented by the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 3 Military Honor Guard and the national anthem was performed by Retired Air Force Sergeant Mike Goodreau. In the first intermission the 132nd Army Band performed God Bless America. All current and former military was asked to stand and were saluted by both teams in the first period.
Check will be presented to the DAV on Wednesday (11/1).
