On gamedays the players wearing "Green and Gold" garner all the attention, but those who work behind the scenes, operating the concession stands help make the Lambeau Field experience memorable as well.
On Wednesday night Levy Restaurants, the stadium's food service operator and caterer, honored those non-profit organizations, which ran the 60 stadium concession stands during the 2005 season.
"The groups are knowledgeable and friendly. It just adds so much to the experience." Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer John Jones said. "What they bring to Lambeau Field is special."
Those volunteers raised more than $700, 000 to help support local causes.
"That's just a huge accomplishment," said Scott Kleckner, director of operations for Levy Restaurants at Lambeau Field.
All volunteers could attend the Wednesday night awards dinner at the Associated Bank Club Level of the Lambeau Field Atrium. In addition to the dinner, prizes, including Curly's Pub gift certificates, chocolates and wine baskets were raffled away. The volunteers nearly filled the banquet room.
"This is over twice as big as last year's turnout," Jones said. "That shows the sense of celebration and excitement that's part of the evening."
Kleckner culminated the evening by presenting several awards. A group of St. Norbert College students received Group Of The Year and a $1,000 donation. The money will help orphaned Zambian students in sub-Saharan Africa purchase educational supplies.
St. Mark Lutheran Church and School won Highest Training Attendance and received a $250 donation and Best New Group for a $500 donation, the Green Bay Preble cheerleading team won Closest Goods Out Of Stock and a $500 donation and Karen Borchardt of Today's Youth won Group Lead Of The Year and a $100 donation.
All volunteers -- not just the award winners -- helped create a unique Lambeau atmosphere.
"We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you," Jones said.
