The annual search for the next honoree for the Packers FAN Hall of Fame begins Sunday, Nov. 7.
The first professional football team to have its own hall of fame, the Green Bay Packers enhanced that distinction in 1998 by establishing a Packers FAN Hall of Fame. It was founded for the purpose of annually honoring a devout and longtime Packers fan.
Nominees are being sought for recognition by a selection committee. The late Mel Knoke of Appleton was chosen as the inaugural honoree in the FAN Hall of Fame. The 91-year-old Knoke, who died between the time of his election and formal recognition, was honored posthumously at the 1999 Packers Hall of Fame Induction Banquet.
In addition to Knoke, past honorees include: (2000) Louis Gardipee, Black River Falls, Wis.; (2001) Ed Jablonski, Wausau, Wis.; (2002) Paul Mazzoleni, Green Bay; (2003) Wanda Boggs, Brookfield, Wis.; (2004) Sister Isaac Jogues Rousseau, Milwaukee; (2005) Dorothy Hanke, Milwaukee; (2006) Kathy Lazzaro, Milwaukee; (2007) Rich Barbera, River Vale, N.J; (2008) Richard 'Ike' Eisenhauer, Wauwatosa, Wis.; (2009) Allan Hale, Green Bay; and (2010) Jim Becker, Racine.
The nomination phase for the 13th honoree begins Nov. 7 and continues through Dec. 6. Fans again are being asked to nominate themselves or a relative or friend for the honor in an essay of 500 words or less, describing the merits of the nominee. Each nomination should be accompanied by a photo – a copy of the original photo should be submitted in case of damage or loss.
The 10 finalists who best represent the Packers and the spirit of the Packers Hall of Fame will be chosen in December by the Packers FAN Hall of Fame selection committee, comprised of members of the Packers front office. The 10 finalists will be announced Jan. 2, 2011.
Packers fans, in turn, will be asked to vote for one of the 10 finalists whose stories will be profiled. Voting will be conducted in stores and online, with details announced in January.
Fans can mail their nominations to: Green Bay Packers FAN Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 10628, Green Bay, WI, 54307-0628, or drop them off at the Lambeau Field Atrium (1265 Lombardi Avenue).
The fan receiving the most votes will become the 13th honorary fan to be recognized in the Packers FAN Hall of Fame.
The honoree's selection will be announced Feb. 15, 2011. He or she will receive four club seats to a 2011 Packers home game; a $500 Packers Pro Shop gift certificate; a road trip for two to a 2011 Packers away game, including game ticket, air fare and hotel accommodation; and a one-year subscription to Packer Plus and Packer Insider.
The honoree also will have his or her name permanently displayed in a place of honor in the Packers Hall of Fame.
FAN Hall of Fame sponsors are Stein Gardens and Gifts, Best Buy and Goodwill Industries.
To make a nomination, visit www.jsonline.com/packersfan.
