GREEN BAY, Wis. — Local nonprofits have worked the concession stands for every home Packers game this year.
Some volunteers have worked there for years, while others are getting their first working experience. Two groups are working to boost educational benefits for students.
Volunteers from Sherwood came up north to Lambeau Field to help serve hot dogs and brats the Sunday before Thanksgiving. They’re working to raise money for St. John - Sacred Heart Church and School.
Main recruit Kathy Kesler said she enjoys seeing how fueling the crowd energy also feeds into new opportunities.
“It means that they can do extra things. They can get the technology,” said Kesler. “They are able to go to robotics… And the parish also sees the kids come back at mass and have fun and enjoy the kids and enjoy the singing.”
It’s a goal that’s motivated Kesler for 16 years to keep volunteering her time. She’s helped raise nearly $35,000 this year in the stands. As the Packers took on the 49ers, Kesler said she was extra proud seeing the nonprofit’s 15-year-old cook take charge.
“Overwhelming joy, completion… I don’t know,” said Kesler. “I feel very fulfilled would be the word.”
Packers fans who grabbed chicken or grilled cheese sandwiches on Sunday were helping pay forward toward a six-country tour for students involved with Wisconsin Ambassadors of Music. Choir teacher Cate Kopkey said she sees the benefits firsthand with her students, who are working towards an experience that costs nearly $8,000 each.
“Volunteering at Lambeau has been really wonderful because this is an opportunity for our students to work to earn instead of doing direct sales,” said Kopkey. “Which is a hard thing to do because bands and choirs in your regular school department are doing direct sales all the time.”
More than 260 students are hoping to raise enough money before the trip’s deadline in June 2025. Kopkey said this process teaches them customer service and time management skills, all before gaining lifelong lessons from cultural experiences oversees.
“It ends up being a really life-changing trip for kids because there is a way that the rest of the world functions that we aren’t always so used to,” said Kopkey. “They see a lot of things that they’re sheltered from here.”
More than 90 schools, social service agencies and community organizations volunteer at Lambeau Field during each game through the nonprofit concessions program, raising an average of $140,000 for charitable causes per home game.
Groups keep a portion of the proceeds, plus 100% of tips. The Packers work with Delaware North Companies Sportservice in recruiting more groups of any size for their roster. If you’re interested in joining the program, contact Delaware North at greenbaynpo@delawarenorth.com.