Chi-Hi Raises staggering $2800 in one "Miracle Minute" to benefit The Homeless Veterans Project.
September 19, 2016 | The Hands Foundation
CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI -- Not satisfied with the incredible $1600 donation gathered during last year's Vets Night, the Chi-Hi Cardinal's volunteers aimed for more. And more they got!
A staggering $2800 was gathered in ONE MINUTE during this years "Miracle Minute" donation. The "Miracle Minute" is collected the old fashioned way, by passing a bucket around the crowd of faithful Cardinal fans gathered to watch their team play. On Friday, September 16th, it was a home game against Superior. After the first quarter of the hard fought contest, the "Miracle Minute" took place and more than lived up to it's name as the generous crowd (of home and away fans) opened their hearts to the Homeless Veterans cause.
In addition to the donation, the team also welcomed The Hands Foundation to gather items at the gate for the Homeless Veterans in what they've been calling the "Stuff the Trailer" event, which is held annually. The initial idea was created three years ago by Chi-Hi Head Coach Chuck Raykovich as a way he and his team could give back to our Veterans. The event has been a huge success.
But that's not all! As if the trailer full of items and the incredible donation from the evening weren't enough, Chi-Hi and it's supporters have also started a GoFundMe Campaign for the Homeless Veterans Project which aims to raise $10,000.
The Hands Foundation started the Homeless Veterans Project with Help-A-Vet, a homeless Veterans charity out of Minneapolis, MN, to attempt to service the 4,000+ homeless Veterans in Minneapolis alone. Their work has since expanded to the Eau Claire area and Nashville, TN. Working with Tom McKenna and his wife Jessi, they have been able to hand out over 45,000 items and 10,000 quilts.
So much of that success is due to efforts like the one undertaken yearly by Chuck and his team of players and volunteers. We can never thank them enough for what they're doing for our Veterans, but we will surely put their donations to good use. Winter is coming and the Homeless Veterans need us now more than ever. Thank you.