(Willmar, MN) – The Willmar Stingers of the Northwoods League and local businesses teamed up this summer to raise $10,219.00 for charitable organizations during the 2011 season. Unique summer promotions with the Stingers have raised dollars for three non-profit organizations that serve the Willmar Lakes Area community.
“The funds that were raised this summer were great, thanks to our community partners and fans being generous to these three important organizations,” said Stingers co-owner Ryan Voz.
The Stingers and Duininck Inc. kicked of the fundraising effort with a promotion benefitting the local American Cancer Society. Pink bats were auctioned off during the June 18th game against the Duluth Huskies and a “Relay for Life On-line Challenge” totaled $3,090.00 towards the local American Cancer chapter. Stingers players and coaches also participated in the local Relay for Life Walk following the game on Friday, July 22 at the Willmar Middle School.
The Stingers, Rice Memorial Hospital, Hansen Advertising and Subway teamed up this summer for a “Get Stung with the Run” 1K/5K on Saturday, July 23 at Bill Taunton Stadium. More than 200 individuals participated in the event with all proceeds going towards the local Mentorship Program at the YMCA in Willmar.
Stingers players ran with young fans in the 1K and awards were given out to top qualifiers on the same night as a part of a pre-game ceremony. The 1K/5K race raised $3,534.00 to be used towards a mentorship program that provides youth with adult volunteers who serve as positive role models, offering guidance and support.
“The fundraiser for one of our programs was amazing,” YMCA Executive Director Theresa Wittenberg said. “With the help of donors and the Stingers, these dollars will help with our volunteer mentors and serves children in our community.”
On Thursday, August 4th the Stingers presented the 2nd annual “Jersey’s off our Back Night” with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Fans bid on the players jerseys during the game and all proceeds went to the local Willmar Lakes Area Food Shelf. The jersey auction totaled $3,595.00 for the food shelf and now $7,060.00 ($3465.00 in 2010, $3,595.00 in 2011) have been raised on behalf of the Stingers and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans during the past two years. These dollars raised are equal to providing over 21,000 meals to families of the Willmar Area.