November 5, 2012

(Willmar, MN) – The Willmar Stingers and the local Thrivent Financial for Lutherans chapter have teamed up in hopes of making a difference for a growing need in the community. The local Willmar Area Food Shelf has seen double-digit increases in numbers of families needing assistance over the last few years and the Stingers along with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans wanted to help by doing a “Shirts off our Backs” promotion.

This was the third year of the promotion and a total of $11,205 has been given to the Willmar Area Food Shelf since the Inaugural season in 2010. The event took place on Thursday, August 2nd at Bill Taunton Stadium.  On Thursday, November 1 co-owners Ryan Voz and Marc Jerzak along with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Financial Consultant Ben Munsch presented an oversized check to Willmar Area Food Shelf’s executive director Christie Kurth.

This promotion has given fans an opportunity to bid on the player’s jerseys with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Willmar Area Food Shelf. A total of three coaches and thirty players’ uniforms were bid on and awarded to fans that evening. The dollars raised this past summer were more than $4,100 to the food shelf and as an organization the Stingers raised more than $10,000 for local charities in the Willmar area for the second-consecutive year.

“The jersey auction is always a favorite.” Co-owner Ryan Voz said. “We have very generous fans and thanks to them, this promotion continues to be a huge success.”  We can’t thank them enough as the need in our community continues to grow.”  

The dollars are very impactful as the amount raised this year will help provide food for three days for 518 families in the local communities. Most recent reports show the Willmar Area Food Shelf provides food for more than 900 families in the community, up from 350 families needing assistance just six years ago.

For more information on the Stingers/Thrivent Financial for Lutherans fundraiser, please visit willmarstingers.com or call the Stingers office at 320-222-2010.  The 2013 season is presented by Charter.