Maine Red Claws Raise Funds and Awareness for Helmets to Hardhats
Over $1,500 was raised for H2H
On Friday, March 19th, the Maine Red Claws NBA development league basketball team hosted
Military Appreciation Night at their game vs. the Albuquerque Thunderbirds. The Red Claws wore
specially-designed camouflage uniforms to show their support of members of the U.S. Military. A
portion of all website ticket sales was donated to Helmets to Hardhats and the Wounded Warrior
Program. In addition, the special-edition camouflage uniforms were raffled off and the proceeds
from that raffle were donated to H2H.
Richie Eckler, H2H Regional Director was present at the event, and he reports that the crowd
was very enthusiastic about contributing to Helmets to Hardhats. "When they sang the National
Anthem at the beginning of the game, everyone in the crowd felt it," he says. "The people of Maine
are very supportive of our Veterans.
Several people and organizations were instrumental in bringing together the Maine Red Claws
and Helmets to Hardhats for this successful night. John Napolitano of the Maine State Building
& Construction Trades and the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 716, has been working hard
behind the scenes to promote Helmets to Hardhats and find opportunities for Veterans in Maine.
Jon Jennings, President and General Manager of the Red Claws, was introduced to Helmets to
Hardhats five years ago at a direct entry event in Massachusetts. At the time, Jennings was on
Senator Kerry’s staff, and he has been supportive of H2H’s programs ever since. Dennis Meehan,
Account Executive of the Maine Red Claws, was the point person within the organization that
coordinated the effort. Corporate sponsors of the event included Aetna, Pension Fund Evaluations,
and S & A Inc.
What a night: Over $1,500 was raised for Helmets to Hardhats, the Red Claws won the game
128-111, and everyone involved enjoyed a great time for a great cause.
