Voting Ends Feb. 6, 2011; Honoree Announced February 15
Ten finalists have been named in the search for the 13th member of the Packers FAN Hall of Fame, and voting will begin Sunday, Jan. 2, for fans to make the selection.
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. FAN Hall of Fame sponsors are Best Buy, Stein Gardens and Gifts, Goodwill and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Packers fans were asked to nominate themselves or a friend for the honor with an essay of 500 words or less, accompanied by a photo, explaining why he or she should be recognized. From those nominations, 10 finalists were selected by the Packers FAN Hall of Fame selection committee.
This year's 10 finalists are:
- Gene Greening, Menasha, Wis.
- Todd Gregorski, Gilbert, Ariz.
- Sara Lavado, Tewksbury, Mass.
- Gertrude Lederer, Milwaukee, Wis.
- Tom Little, Mount Sterling, Ill.
- Gene Noonan, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
- Jim Nowicki, West Chester, Ohio
- John O'Neill, Crossing Plains, Wis.
- Gary Platt, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
- Tim Skipper, Lakewood, Calif.
Beginning Saturday, Jan. 2, fans can read the finalists' profiles and vote online at www.packers.com/fan-zone/fan-hall-of-fame.html orhttp://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/fanhalloffame/. The nominee receiving the most votes will be named the 13th member of the Packers FAN Hall of Fame.
Ballots also are available at Wisconsin locations of Best Buy, Goodwill, and Stein Gardens and Gifts, as well as at the Lambeau Field Atrium. Completed ballots can be mailed to the address listed on the ballot or dropped off at Goodwill stores in Wisconsin.
The voting deadline is midnight, Feb. 6, 2011. Voters will be entered into a random drawing to win a 2011 road trip to an away game with the Packers.
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 toPacker 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.