Willmar, MN — What started as a fun community promotion in 2010 has now grown into a remarkable milestone. The Willmar Stingers & Thrivent River Lakes Financial Group of Spicer are proud to announce that the 16^th annual jersey auction has now raised $101,682 in donations. Thanks to the generosity of the fans, the overall donation equates to more than $1,000,000 in purchasing power for the Kandiyohi County Food Shelf.

This summer’s auction alone generated $8,174, with fans bidding on game-worn Stingers’ jerseys to support families in need. Over 16 seasons, this initiative has become one of the most impactful traditions in Stingers’ history, showcasing how the Willmar community rallies together to make a difference.

“We are incredibly thankful to Ben Munsch with Thrivent River Lakes Financial Group in Spicer, the Stingers, and everyone who contributed to the jersey auction,” said Alana Ziehl, Executive Director of the Kandiyohi County Food Shelf. “This is unbelievable, especially when we can turn that money into ten times the buying power through our food bank.”

Every dollar raised for the Kandiyohi County Food Shelf is multiplied tenfold through partnerships with the Food Bank and Second Harvest Heartland. That means this year’s donation alone will provide more than $81,740 worth of food for households in Kandiyohi County and beyond.

This achievement is a testament to the incredible generosity of Stingers fans, the commitment of Thrivent River Lakes Financial Group, and the strength of a community that continues to make a difference.

The Willmar Stingers will celebrate their 17th season in the Northwoods League in 2026, full season and half-season plans are available. 

For more information on this press release or questions on ticket packages for the upcoming season please call 320-222-2010 or visit willmarstingers.com.

The 2026 season is presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, empowering investors with powerful financial advice.

About the Willmar Stingers:
The Willmar Stingers are a member of the Northwoods League, the premier summer collegiate baseball league in North America. The Stingers provide affordable, family-friendly entertainment while showcasing the top college baseball talent from across the country.

For more information about the Willmar Stingers, visit willmarstingers.com or contact the front office at (320)222-2010 or info@willmarstingers.com

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The Willmar Stingers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in developing elite college baseball players. Entering its 32^nd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 24 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, nearly 2400 NWL alums have been drafted and over 380 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove, two-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network. Learn more and find complete streaming schedules at watchnwl.com. For more information, visit www.willmarstingers.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Stingers as your favorite team.