Kyle Palmieri's Second Annual Military Ball Raises Over $100K
GARFIELD, NJ – Building off the success of last year's inaugural Military Ball, New Jersey Devils forward Kyle Palmieri and his wife Ashlee were eager to put on an event to remember while raising money and awareness for military organizations. They delivered on Saturday night at The Venetian in Garfield, NJ with over 400 attendees while raising approximately $115,000 for non-profit military organizations as The Kyle Palmieri Foundation recognized and honored veterans throughout the evening. Nearly 150 active and retired service members turned out.
New Jersey Assemblywoman and Marine mother Annette Chaparro presented Palmieri with a joint legislative resolution from the New Jersey Senate and Assembly. Joe O'Neill, owner of Benner's Auto Body restored a vehicle through National Auto Body Council's (NABC) Recycled Rides™ program, which was donated by GEICO and donated it to Army veteran Jonathan Sanchez, who served four years in the military.
New Jersey Assemblywoman and Marine mother Annette Chaparro presented Palmieri with a joint legislative resolution from the New Jersey Senate and Assembly. (Photo Credits: Sean Conklin)
Meanwhile, veterans told their inspiring stories and how the military shaped their lives.
"I met so many incredible people and their families," the Devils forward said in an interview with Patch.com after the event. "This is what it's all about – spending time and getting to know them and their stories. Thanking them for their service and everything the families have gone through from deployments to time away."
Army veteran and Newark, NJ resident Adam Hudson meets Kyle Palmieri. (Photo Credits: Andrew Mordzynski)
Army veteran and Newark, NJ resident Adam Hudson, who served as a sergeant in the 108th air defense artillery from 2008 to 2012 in nine different countries was among those impressed with the event and Palmieri's dedication to the cause of giving back to the military.
"This was such a wonderful event and it's great to see all of the organizations that benefited from it," said Hudson, who now works for Veterans advocacy programs in New York and New Jersey. "It means a lot to me and you can tell that Kyle and Ashlee are sincere about their efforts."
Former Devils captain Andy Greene made a surprise visit joining Palmieri and his teammates at the event.
"I'm incredibly grateful for their support of my teammates," Palmieri explained. "Nights like this aren't possible without them. It really feels great to see the turnout and those guys coming out."
Andy Greene makes a surprise visit to rejoin his teammates at the 2nd Annual Military Ball. (Photo Credits: Andrew Mordzynski)
"Andy is such a great guy – he's such a close friend of mine and it was awesome to see him."
Palmieri's inspiration for giving back to the military community comes from the close family connection with his sister and brother-in-law serving in the National Guard and U.S. Army.
The non-profit organizations that benefited from the Kyle Palmieri Foundation's 2nd annual Military Ball include:
· National Military Family Association
· Service Women's Action Network
Palmieri was particularly thankful for his wife Ashlee's efforts over the last 16 months with the planning and execution of not only both of the Foundation's Military Balls, but their wedding as well.
Kyle Palmieri and his wife Ashlee Casper Palmieri pose for a photo at the 2nd Annual Military Ball. (Photo Credits: Andrew Mordzynski)
"To us, it isn't only about raising funds, but about raising awareness about the true cost of their sacrifice," suggested Ashlee, who is the vice president of The Kyle Palmieri Foundation. "Many people don't fully understand the challenges that service members face at home and abroad.
"We're extremely proud to be able to call attention to these challenges and to highlight the organizations on the front lines working to improve the lives of our service members and their families."
In 2016, Palmieri launched the military recognition program "Squad 21" to give back to the active and retired service members. Each year since has proven to top the last in giving back. Two and a half years ago, Palmieri and his wife Ashlee launched The Kyle Palmieri Foundation as a platform to give back to the patriots who put their lives on the line by raising awareness and funds for those in need after their service to our country.
"The biggest thing coming back to New Jersey five years ago is the opportunity to give back to a community I grew up in," Palmieri added. "Being able to use my platform here as a guy born and raised in New Jersey and putting on an event like this benefits such a great cause is an honor for me."
The Kyle Palmieri Foundation is working on creating new merchandise to sell and has plans in the works to start giving grants to some of the local organizations that they've done work with in the past. Don't be surprised if Palmieri is nominated for the Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey at the end of the season.
