Packer players make charity their priority, make appearance for green and gold fans
By Ken Luchterhand
The Bingo Hall at Ho-Chunk Gaming – Black River Falls was overflowing with green and gold on Monday night, June 20.
Packer players were making a special appearance and fans turned out in droves, all decked out and displaying the theme of their favorite team.
It was part of the 2016 Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour, which made a stop in Black River Falls, the fourth stop in a five-day tour around the state. The event was a fundraiser for Riverfront, which helps people with developmental disabilities learn new skills.
More than 600 fans attended the event and clambered to ask current and retired players questions and collect autographs.
Representing the Packer organization were current players Jared Abbrederis, Sam Barrington and Jayrone Elliott and former players LeRoy Butler, Robert Brooks and Sean Jones. Also, Packers President Mark Murphy was present.
But before making their appearance in Black River Falls, the Packer bus made an impulsive stop at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park and Campground in Warrens. Adults and children enjoyed the surprise visit and children were able to play a little basketball with some of the players.
The event Monday night began with a meal and many tailgate party games throughout the Bingo Hall, then proceeded with an appearance and briefing by Murphy and Packer players. During the discussion with the players on the stage, they produced a multitude of small footballs and threw them into the crowd. At the conclusion, the Packer crew signed autographs on apparel and memorabilia brought by fans.
The main purpose of the event was to provide Riverfront of Black River Falls with the funds necessary to offer important programs.
Last fall, the Packers organization contacted the Black River Falls Chamber of Commerce, who then referred them to Riverfront.
“Who wouldn’t jump at a chance to meet the Packers?” said Mary Kessens, president and CEO of Riverfront. “It’s a goodwill promotion for the Packers, plus it helps raise money for charities.”
All the money raised will go toward renovating the Riverfront building to better facilitate programs that will help the clients.
They hope to create sensory rooms, activity areas and employment training rooms. The objective is to train people in life skills and employment skills.
Riverfront works with 1,400 people across the state and about 100 people in Jackson County, Kessens said. Approximately 30 staff members are employed with the organization.
Riverfront is non-profit organization guided by a Board of Directors. The basic needs, such as the facility and utilities, are funded by the Wisconsin Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
“Fundraising is used for innovation, outreach and program development,” Kessens said. “Riverfront traditionally works with adults, but now we are accepting youth in June and we are creating youth development programs. In the building, we’re doing renovations for youth as well as adults. Additional funding covers time and expense in developing these programs.”
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