Pictured left to right is C.J. Knudsen (Senior Vice President, Vermont Lake Monsters), Alex Pierotti (Director of Operations, Vermont Lake Monsters), CHAMP (Legendary Lake Monster), Mica Seely (Corporate Philanthropy Manager, Vermont Foodbank), and Melissa Bean (Retail Store Manager, Vermont Flannel).
Vermont Business Magazine On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, The Vermont Flannel Company and the Vermont Lake Monsters joined together on Centennial Field in Burlington, Vermont to celebrate their 2023 fundraising initiative with the presentation of more than $16,000 to the Vermont Foodbank. Legendary Lake Monster CHAMP was present to commemorate the occasion.
For the 2023 baseball season, Vermont Flannel donated $500 to the Vermont Foodbank for every Lake Monster Home Run. The Lake Monsters literally “hit it out of the park” in 2023, with 20 home runs amounting to a total of $10,000 in funds. The Lake Monsters amplified the fundraising effort with an additional $6700+ in funds contributed to the Foodbank.
The three Vermont organizations were proud to partner together, raising awareness and helping to fight food insecurity in Vermont.
“We’re excited to announce that through the generosity of our fans and The Vermont Flannel Company we helped raise $16,734.16 for the Vermont Foodbank this year. The Vermont Flannel Company donated $10,000 and through direct fan contributions we raised an additional $6,734.16. Thank you to our Fans for helping us support the Vermont Foodbank, and thank you Vermont Flannel Company for your generosity!” said C.J. Knudsen, Senior Vice President of the Vermont Lake Monsters.
“As Vermont's team, we are so glad that we could step up to the plate to help fellow Vermonters and support the Vermont Foodbank. The $10,000 donation from The Vermont Flannel Company truly was inspiring and made it a home run for the Vermont community and Vermont Foodbank,” stated Knudsen.
“The Vermont Foodbank is our non-profit of choice,” says Melissa Bean, Vermont Flannel Store Manager and representative at Wednesday’s event. “On top of our partnership with the Lake Monsters this year, anytime you visit a Vermont Flannel store or shop online, the purchase of one Tote Bag provides $14 worth of groceries and the purchase of one Luxury Blanket provides $38 worth of groceries to kids, families, and older adults in Vermont who are experiencing hunger. I am so happy to work for a company that gives back to our neighbors in need.”
After the event, Matt Bigelow, President of The Vermont Flannel Company, added: "In the aftermath of the July floods, our partnership with the Lake Monsters helped us boost fundraising efforts for the Foodbank in an extreme time of need."
“Coming out of the pandemic, economic disruptions, and this summer’s flood disasters, we are seeing the need increase, and know that these disasters have a long tail for recovery,” offered Vermont Foodbank CEO, John Sayles. “The Vermont Foodbank continues to distribute millions of pounds of food to meet needs across the state. The support of our partners means that neighbors have access to the food they need to thrive during these challenging times. Together, we are working to fulfill the promise of a Vermont without hunger.”
Pictured left to right is: Alex Pierotti (Director of Operations, Vermont Lake Monsters), Mica Seely (Corporate Philanthropy Manager, Vermont Foodbank), and Melissa Bean (Retail Store Manager, Vermont Flannel).
About the Vermont Foodbank
The Vermont Foodbank is the state’s largest hunger-relief organization, providing nutritious food through a network of more than 300 community partners – food shelves, meal sites, schools, hospitals, and housing sites. Food insecurity has increased dramatically as a result of the pandemic and the Vermont Foodbank and its network have been on the front lines, working to ensure that everyone has the food they need to maintain their health. Last year, the Vermont Foodbank provided over 12 million pounds of food to people throughout Vermont. The Vermont Foodbank, a member of Feeding America, is nationally recognized as one of the most effective and efficient nonprofits and food banks in the nation. Learn more at www.vtfoodbank.org.
About the Vermont Lake Monsters
The Vermont Lake Monsters are a member of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL). The Lake Monsters joined the FCBL for the 2021 season and were crowned champions their first year in the league. Vermont’s season runs from the end of May until mid-August, playing a 64-game schedule. The Lake Monsters are more than just baseball, they are woven into the fabric of the Green Mountain State.
About The Vermont Flannel Co.
Bring comfort everywhere with Vermont Flannel clothing, blankets, and accessories, handcrafted in America since 1991. Vermont Flannel fabric is made with organic cotton, yarn-dyed for lasting color, tightly woven for minimal shrinkage, and brushed beyond reason for unbelievable softness. Experience the original flannel lounge pants, flannel pajamas, classic flannel shirts, luxurious blankets, and much more—skillfully stitched for strength and durability, matching stripes the old fashioned way. Enjoy heirloom quality clothing that lasts year after year. Shop online or visit stores for the authentic Vermont Flannel experience. Learn more at vermontflannel.com.
Source: Burlington, Tuesday, September 12, 2023. The Vermont Flannel Co.
