Kraft Presents Albertville with $40,000 Hockeyville Check
While St. Michael-Albertville came up just short in its bid to be “Hockeyville USA” last spring, a little bit of cash arrived last week to help cushion the disappointment.
In all reality, hockey organizers and coaches were ecstatic to be named to the contest’s semifinal, as Kraft Foods and other sponsors recognized Kathy Lester’s letter on behalf of the STMA program as one of the tops in the country.
The community support that followed was unprecedented for an area youth sports program. STMA “Hockeyville” organizers dealt with media attention, rallied voters on social media, reached out to the Minnesota Wild and Gophers and got a moment in the national spotlight during the National Hockey League Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Kraft/Heinz spokesperson Colleen Sessler traveled to Albertville Wednesday, July 29 for the presentation.
The $40,000 will be spent on the STMA Arena, which went through a number of upgrades over the last three years, including an air-handling system and roof repairs. The city will work with the STMA Hockey Board to determine where funds from the contest will be appropriated.
Colleen Sessler of Kraft/Heinz is joined by STMA boys’ coach Jerr Johnson and North Wright County RiverHawk coach Jason Johnson (left) for a check presentation last week in Albertville.
Representatives of Kraft Foods, Coborns, STMA Hockey and STMA Youth Hockey accept a $40,000 check from Kraft’s Hockeyville USA contest.