GREEN BAY – For more than a decade, "Ladies of Lambeau" have come together to serve the community with gratitude.

On Thursday evening, nearly 200 women with ties to the Packers organization convened in the Lambeau Field Atrium to package 35,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger, a global nonprofit that strives to end hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives, and responding to emergencies.

Additionally, the group collected food for Paul's Pantry, a food pantry in Green Bay that provides families with enough food every week, for as long as needed, so they may use their food dollars for shelter, utilities, and other necessities.

"Ladies of Lambeau" is an inclusive group of women bonded together through their association with the Packers. Laurie Murphy, wife of Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy, established this organization back in 2011.

"It's amazing because every year it seems to get bigger and bigger," said Jen Gutekunst, wife of Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst, of the event. "We're so happy that the Packers give us this opportunity to be able to come together to do this for the community when the community does so much for us."

"Ladies of Lambeau" has hosted a variety of events over the years, including art projects for children's hospitals, hygiene drives and meal packaging for nonprofit organizations like Rise Against Hunger.

Prior to the event, Rise Against Hunger market development manager Molly Heggeland explained to the volunteers whom they were helping with their time, dedication and effort.

For 25 years, Rise Against Hunger has worked to end hunger, with 20 locations across the country. In 2022, Rise Against Hunger distributed 67.6 million meals.

"We're always looking to grow our movement to end hunger and by the Packers partnering with us at this event, and some other events throughout the year, we can make a huge impact," Heggeland said.

"Honestly this is going to go pretty quick because we have so many volunteers. Many hands make light work."

Paul's Pantry was founded in 1984 by Leo Frigo, the former president of Frigo Cheese who wanted to spend his retirement helping those in need. Paul's Pantry is completely volunteer- and donor-driven. You can learn more about Paul's Pantry here.

Now in its 12th year, "Ladies of Lambeau" continues to find ways to give back to the community while also fostering friendship among the participants.

For those who volunteered Thursday evening, it's a privilege to not only represent the Packers organization but also give back to the community they call home.

"The Packers give so much to the community, and we get to be part of that," Gutekunst said. "Not only with our local community with Paul's Pantry, but the world by providing meals for Rise Against Hunger. It's just exciting to see all the people, wives and employees come together and work together to do it."