Devils Kyle Palmieri ‘Honored to Give Back to Military Community’
NEWARK, NJ – Two and a half years ago, New Jersey Devils forward Kyle Palmieri created the military recognition program “Squad21” as a way of personally thanking active and veteran service members for their continued sacrifices to the country.
The momentum from that program has continued to grow over the years and has ultimately led to the establishment of The Kyle Palmieri Foundation this past summer as the New Jersey native and his fiancée Ashlee Casper launched the non-profit to give back to ‘those who put their lives on the line to preserve our freedoms as Americans.’
This weekend, the foundation will be hosting its inaugural Military Ball at Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville on Saturday, February 23 from 7 p.m. to midnight. It marks the foundation’s first marquee event and there’s plenty of anticipation for an exciting evening while raising funds and awareness for the challenges the military community faces every day in life. The event will feature a cocktail hour, buffet and an open bar to those purchasing tickets.
The Kyle Palmieri Foundation will be hosting its inaugural Military Ball at Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville on Saturday, February 23 from 7 p.m. to midnight. Photo Credits: The Kyle Palmieri Foundation
“Before even launching the Foundation, we knew we wanted to put on a large signature event each year to raise money for the organizations we support,” said Palmieri. “It’s taken a lot of time to plan the Military Ball from finding a venue to securing event sponsors and auction items. The Devils have been a huge help throughout this entire process and we’re extremely thankful for their support.”
Giving back to the military has a personal connection to Palmieri, as he has several family ties to active service members. Currently, his sister Taylor and brother-in-law Stephen are honorably serving the country in the National Guard and the U.S. Army.
“It’s an honor to be able to give back to the military community and raise awareness of the challenges they face every day,” Palmieri explained. “It’s also been a privilege to meet hundreds of active and retired military members and their families through the Foundation and our Squad21 program.”
Devils forward Kyle Palmieri (center) poses for a photo at a Vet Tix – Squad21 event this year. Photo Credits: The Kyle Palmieri Foundation Facebook via Mordy Photo
On the ice, Palmieri is enjoying one of his best seasons as a professional hockey player as he leads the Devils in goals scored (26) and points (47) while earning his first-ever selection to the NHL All-Star Game last month. He is on pace to set career bests in goals and assists for a season.
“To be able to represent the New Jersey Devils at the 2019 All-Star Game was an incredible opportunity and honor,” Palmieri suggested. “For my family and I, the weekend in San Jose was an amazing experience that I will never forget.”
“To be mentioned among the elite players in this league was a huge honor for me as a player and the All-star game was a great chance to meet some of the players I compete with night in and night out in the National Hockey League.”
The 2019 Military Ball will raise money for the National Military Family Association, Service Women’s Action Network and Pets for Vets.
Tickets for the Military Ball are still available and can be purchased through The Kyle Palmieri Foundation: https://militaryball.kylepalmierifoundation.com/. For more information about sponsoring this or future events, contact info@kylepalmierifoundation.com.
