Crowning Courage

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Atlanta Hawks

Active and Retired Military Personnel Gifted Pullover Jackets and Treated to Courtside Experience 

ATLANTA –&nbsp;For the eighth consecutive season, the Atlanta Hawks partnered with Crown Royal to honor active and retired military personnel and their guests (21+) at the club’s annual ‘Crowning Courage’ event.&nbsp;As an expression of gratitude for their service, Hawks’ Season Ticket Members generously donated their courtside and club seats to more than 200 veterans and their guests to enjoy the team’s game against Portland.

Before the game, the Hawks and Crown Royal hosted a private reception for the night’s special guests as well as Hawks Season Ticket Members. They were greeted by&nbsp;Atlanta Hawks Principal Owner Jami Gertz and Hawks Legend and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins before participating in the night’s festivities.

“We are honored to welcome these brave individuals and their families to our eighth annual Crowning Courage event,” said Atlanta Hawks Principal Owner Jami Gertz. “Their courage, selflessness, and service are of the utmost admiration, and we feel grateful to have an opportunity to provide an exceptional evening for them at a Hawks game.”

As military personnel entered State Farm Arena’s Suite Level Event Space, they were gifted custom ‘Crowning Courage’ pullover jackets and a bucket hat. During the reception, Crown Royal’s&nbsp;Director of Whisky Engagement, Stephen Wilson, took center stage as the emcee and kicked off a special ‘Toast to Generosity.’ Afterwards, General (R) Paul Funk&nbsp;II delivered the keynote address.&nbsp;

General (R) Funk II’s career includes six combat deployments and multiple awards and recognitions from not only our nation’s armed forces but also armed forces abroad. Throughout his distinguished career, he has been a catalyst for significant performance improvement, cultural gains, and purpose-driven results for organizations encompassing over 800,000 people, including leading the largest coalition ever formed with 72 nations.&nbsp;

A special gallery will shine a spotlight on African-American Vietnam veterans, providing a glimpse into this powerful tribute and underscoring the diverse and impactful stories that deserve recognition and remembrance. To conclude the evening's program, Crown Royal will surprise a deserving veteran with a “This Deserves a Crown with Kane Brown” Super VIP Experience at his upcoming show at the award-winning State Farm Arena on June 8, 2024. 

“Our brand prides itself on recognizing the most generous among us and we're grateful for the opportunity to do just that by honoring active duty and retired military personnel right here in Atlanta,” said Hadley Schafer, Vice President of Marketing for Crown Royal. “Crown Royal is proud to come together with the Atlanta Hawks organization and the larger NBA family to take this moment to celebrate those who have generously served this country.”

Before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers, pregame festivities included a captivating color guard presentation, accompanied by a performance of the national anthem by retied United States Marine Corps and Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm veteran Mike Reheuser.

Adding to the grandeur, a team of Army Rangers showcased their extraordinary skills by rappelling down to the court, creating a visually stunning and patriotic moment. This unique and powerful display honored the spirit of service and sacrifice, which set the stage for an unforgettable experience during the game.

At halftime, the United States Air Force (USAF) Band of the West performed. The USAF Band of the West is comprised of highly-trained Airmen traveling across the country and delivering hundreds of performances annually to both military and civilian audiences. The band has earned a stellar reputation, performing for presidents and dignitaries worldwide.

Additionally, fans (21+) at Tuesday night’s game were able to participate in Crown Royal’s Purple Bag Project, where they put together care packages in the whisky brand’s iconic purple bags which will be sent to active-duty service members overseas.

Since 2016, the Hawks and Crown Royal have honored more than 1,000 military personnel at the Crowning Courage event.

To secure tickets for any of the upcoming games throughout the remainder of the season, visit Hawks.com/tickets.

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Atlanta Hawks Honor More Than 200 Military Personnel at Eighth Annual ‘Crowning Courage’ Event in Partnership with Crown Royal

Hawks Season Ticket Members Donate Courtside Seats to Active Duty and Retired Military Personnel

ATLANTA –&nbsp;For a seventh consecutive season, the Atlanta Hawks partnered with Crown Royal to honor active and retired military personnel and their guests (21+) at the club’s annual ‘Crowning Courage’ event held on Tuesday, March 21. As an expression of gratitude for their service, Hawks’ Season Ticket Members generously donated their courtside seats to more than 150 veterans and their guests to enjoy the team’s game against the Detroit Pistons.

“We are excited and honored to host these courageous men and women at our seventh annual Crowning Courage event,” said&nbsp;Atlanta Hawks Principal Owner Jami Gertz. “We are forever grateful for their service, and we are fortunate to show our appreciation with a fantastic night at a Hawks game.”

Before the game, the Hawks and Crown Royal hosted a private reception for the night’s special guests as well as Hawks Season Ticket Members. They were greeted by Atlanta Hawks Principal Owner Jami Gertz and Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins before participating in the night’s festivities.

Additionally, all military personnel were gifted Hawks jerseys, which featured their specific military unit number. As a part of the reception, a special ‘Toast to Generosity’ was led by Stephen Wilson, Director of Whisky Engagement for Crown Royal.

Then, former undercover New Jersey state trooper, retired NBA Referee and former NBA V.P. Director of Officials Bob Delaney spoke to those in attendance about leadership, resiliency and self-care. 

“Our brand prides itself on honoring icons that keep their communities thriving and we're grateful for the opportunity to recognize active duty and retired military personnel right here in Atlanta,” said Hadley Schafer, Director of Marketing for Crown Royal. “Crown Royal is proud to come together with the Atlanta Hawks organization and the larger NBA family to take this moment to celebrate those who have generously served this country.”

Then just before tipoff, Hawks forward John Collins, whose mother and uncle served in the United States Air Force, welcomed all military personnel in attendance.

Throughout the game, various military members were highlighted on the centerhung. At halftime, the Hawks also recognized the next generation of military personnel, who recently enlisted.

Since 2016, the Hawks and Crown Royal have honored more than 700 military personnel at the Crowning Courage event.To secure tickets for upcoming games, visit&nbsp;Hawks.com/tickets.

atlanta-hawks-honor-more-than-150-military-veterans-and-active-duty-with-seventh-annual-crowning-courage-event-in-partnership-with-crown-royal

Atlanta Hawks Honor more than 150 Military Veterans and Active Duty with Seventh Annual 'Crowning Courage' Event in partnership with Crown Royal

atlafinberg

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Hawks, Crown Royal Honor Military With Fourth-Annual Crowing Courage Event

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ATLANTA – For a third consecutive season, the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club and Crown Royal joined together to honor more than 100 active and retired military personnel and their guests at the club’s ‘Crowning Courage’ event held on Sunday, Mar. 10. As an expression of gratitude for their service, Hawks’ Season Ticket Members generously donated their courtside seats to veterans and a guest to enjoy the club’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. 

“The Atlanta Hawks, the NBA and Crown Royal are forever grateful to the real heroes of this country,” said Hawks’ CEO Steve Koonin. “This yearly event is just one of the ways we say ‘thank you’ for the sacrifices that both these courageous men and women and their families have made." 

At a private pregame reception held at the arena, troops, their guests, and season ticket members were greeted by Atlanta Hawks Owner Jami Gertz just before a special Toast to Generosity with Stephen Wilson, Director of Whisky Engagement for Crown Royal. Sgt. Eric Morante, United States Marine Corps, also delivered a special keynote focused around his commitment to the sport of boxing. Also on site was Beautyrest who hosted a raffle and donated four brand-new Beautyrest Black mattress sets to honor the deserving veterans in attendance.

“There is no greater act of generosity than serving your country,” said Wilson. “Crown Royal has had a long-standing tradition of supporting our brave military men and women. From The Crown Royal Purple Bag Project in partnership with Packages From Home, to our Wall of Gratitude at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it has always been imperative for us to find impactful ways to say, ‘thank you for your service.’ Crowning Courage is about raising a glass to celebrate our heroes and all that they’ve done to protect our freedom.”

Prior to tipoff, John Collins, Hawks’ second-year forward, whose mother served in the United States Air Force, welcomed military personnel and their guests, who were seated courtside in a special address. The red carpet treatment for the veterans also included customized Hawks’ jerseys that featured their military unit number.  

Throughout the game, video vignettes featuring Major Jesse Sladek, United States Army, SMSgt Gregory Stephens, United States Air Force and Obadiah Herndon, United States Air Force, reflected on their service. At halftime, veterans were recognized at center court. In the arena, fans of legal drinking age stopped by The Crown Royal Purple Bag Project Bag to pack bags with essentials to be sent to service men and women overseas, in partnership with Packages From Home. Throughout the day, fans posted to social media using the hashtag #CrowningCourage to thank veterans in their lives. These posts were then showcased inside the arena as a digital wall of gratitude.

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Atlanta Hawks Season Ticket Members Donate More Than 100 Courtside Seats At The Club's 3rd Annual 'Crowning Courage' Event in Partnership With Crown Royal

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ATLANTA -- For the second consecutive season, the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club and Crown Royal partnered to honor military personnel at ‘Crowning Courage’ held on Sunday, March 4. As an expression of gratitude for their service, Hawks season ticket members donated their courtside seats to veterans for them and a guest to enjoy the game versus the Phoenix Suns. Sharecare, Inc., the official jersey patch partner of the Atlanta Hawks, also contributed by donating 20 select lower-level seats to veterans. At the private reception prior to the game, troops and season ticket members were welcomed by Atlanta Hawks Owner Jami Gertz and CEO Steve Koonin.

“The Atlanta Hawks, the NBA and Crown Royal are forever grateful to our troops,” said Steve Koonin, Hawks CEO. “This event is just a small token of our appreciation for the sacrifices they and their families have made.”

In addition to the club’s executive leadership, some of the team’s most recognizable alumni. Special Advisor to the Hawks CEO and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins and former Hawks player Jim Washington were there to autograph basketballs and take photographs with military personnel and their guests.

Stephen Wilson, Director of Whisky Engagement for Crown Royal and Sgt. Wesley Hillis, US Marine Corps, participated in a discussion about the significance of the event. During the conversation, Hillis reflected on his time as a US Marine and his contribution to the 2010 film, The Battle for Marjah. At the end of the exchange, Wilson led those in attendance for a special “Generosity Toast” with Crown Royal Reserve.

“There is no greater act of generosity than serving your country,” said Wilson. “Crowning Courage is about raising a glass and celebrating our heroes and all that they’ve done to protect our freedom.”

Seventy current and former service members represented the United States Army, Marines, Air Force and Navy dating back to World War II.

As the reception ended, Veterans were escorted to the exclusive Courtside Club and Hawks Bar, the NBA’s first-and-only courtside bar, for a premium in-game experience. During a break in the game’s action, they received a standing ovation from the crowd and throughout the contest, the Philips Arena center-hung scoreboard displayed the stories of select military personnel in video vignettes.

Hawks fans showed their appreciation for our troops by creating more than 400 custom care packages at the Crown Royal Bar. Many in attendance took time to fill Crown Royal bags with snacks and handwritten notes, which were then shipped to active duty troops.

Crown Royal also sponsored a seat upgrade for a military member, providing the opportunity for this recipient and a guest to exchange their upper-level tickets for an experience in floor seats.

Crowning Courage

Atlanta Hawks Honor More Than 200 Military Personnel at Eighth Annual ‘Crowning Courage’ Event in Partnership with Crown Royal

Atlanta Hawks Honor more than 150 Military Veterans and Active Duty with Seventh Annual 'Crowning Courage' Event in partnership with Crown Royal

Hawks, Crown Royal Honor Military With Fourth-Annual Crowing Courage Event

Atlanta Hawks Season Ticket Members Donate More Than 100 Courtside Seats At The Club's 3rd Annual 'Crowning Courage' Event in Partnership With Crown Royal

Hawks, Crown Royal Celebrate Veterans at One-Of-A-Kind Event