The Minnesota Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation's Operation Minnesota Heroes Month, presented by POPP.com, tips off this Saturday, Nov. 1, as the Wolves host Military Night during their game vs. Dallas. Operation Minnesota Heroes is the FastBreak Foundation's month-long initiative in November to ensure that those servicemen and women from Minnesota who dutifully serve their country have the opportunity to be recognized by the Timberwolves and their fans.
Military Night will be highlighted by the recognition of two local Purple Heart recipients, who will be honored for their service and commitment to our country at center court during a second-quarter timeout. The game will also feature a special pregame message from a Minnesota soldier currently stationed overseas to his family who will be in attendance.
Other highlights of Saturday's Military Night will include a military color guard and anthem singer and special in-game thank you messages to the troops from Timberwolves players. Prior to the game, the FastBreak Foundation will also present a $10,000 grant to Project New Hope, a Minnesota-based non-profit organization that works to provide Veterans and their families the education, training, and skills necessary to manage their lives after wartime service.
"The Timberwolves organization, from our players and coaches to our entire front office staff, is committed to doing all that we can to both recognize and support our troops," Timberwolves President Chris Wright said. "We're honored to welcome these local heroes to Target Center and give them the recognition they deserve."
As part of the Timberwolves' commitment to honoring local men and women in the military during the Operation Minnesota Heroes campaign, the FastBreak Foundation has donated more than 3,000 tickets to local military members and their families to allow them to attend this special event. The Foundation will also donate more than 4,000 additional tickets for local service men and women to attend other Wolves game throughout Operation Minnesota Heroes Month.
While Military Night will tip off the Foundation's month-long tribute to our troops, a number of other great events highlight the Operation Minnesota Heroes Month calendar:
On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Jason Collins and Ryan Gomes will host a reading timeout at Jenny Lind Elementary School in Minneapolis. Collins and Gomes, along with two local Purple Heart recipients, will read to children and help them write thank you notes to troops stationed abroad.
On Friday, Nov. 14, the Wolves will host a basketball clinic on the Timberwolves practice court for local military members and their children.
Finally, on Monday, Nov. 24, the entire Timberwolves team will host local Purple Heart recipients and returning troops for the Foundation's annual "Wolves Give Thanks" event. Crunch and the Timberwolves Dancers will be on hand as Wolves players don aprons and serve a Thanksgiving-style meal to their special guests.
The mission of the Minnesota Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation is to provide and support hands-on programs that positively impact Minnesota youth. Through giving, education and basketball opportunities, the FastBreak Foundation enables young people to make responsible decisions, contribute to their future and experience lifelong memories.