The annual search for the next honoree for the Packers FAN Hall of Fame has begun.
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.
The nomination phase for the 14th honoree began Nov. 6 and will continue through Dec. 5. 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. Voting for the 10 finalists will begin Jan. 1, 2012.
Packers fans will then 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.
Nominations can be submitted to the Packers website at http://www.packers.com/fan-zone/fan-hall-of-fame.html. Fans can also 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 14th honorary fan to be recognized in the Packers FAN Hall of Fame.
The honoree's selection will be announced Feb. 14, 2012. He or she will receive four club seats to a 2012 Packers home game; a $500 Packers Pro Shop gift certificate; a road trip for two to a 2012 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.
Past honorees include: (1999) Mel Knoke, Appleton, Wis.; (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, Wis.; and (2011) Tom Little, Mount Sterling, Ill.
FAN Hall of Fame sponsors are Mattress Firm, Best Buy, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Goodwill Industries.
