With Humble Gratitude

Jay Leno, Mary Stahl, Ted Stahl, Stahls Automotive Museum

Mary and I were more than honored to have Jay Leno as a VIP Guest at the Hat Trick for Heroes fundraising event for the Michigan Disabled American Veterans on Nov. 10, 2016. (photo Katelyn Larese–Digital First Media)

It is with humble gratitude that Mary and I reflect back on this past Veterans Day weekend. There are no words that can adequately describe the way we feel right now, after participating in our three-day veterans fundraising event, Hat Trick for Heroes. But I will try. Not only did the events raise over $100,000 for the Michigan Disabled American Veterans organization, we also experienced some very special moments in time. One of the highlights was the Thursday night Gala Event, where we were able to welcome comedian and host of CNBC’s Jay Leno’s Garage, Jay Leno as the VIP Guest of Honor. In addition to keeping us entertained and belly-laughing for over an hour, Jay did a fantastic job of making everyone feel comfortable and appreciated. He is one of the most down-to-earth people we have ever met, and America’s number one authority on automobiles. We knew he was a true “gearhead” but were nonetheless astounded at the depth of his knowledge on cars in the museum’s collection. And it was unreal to have him thank me at the end of his talk, where I got one of his legendary bear hugs. All the family members, guests and staff members that had the chance to shake his hand or snap a photo with him felt the same way. We are very thankful that Jay was able to help make the event such a huge fundraising success. It was also humbling to have so many veterans among our special guests, because they are the reason why everyone worked so hard to make this event a success. Jay also acknowledged the need for continued support for all veterans, and that while the VA hospitals do a great job taking care of injured military members, their needs extend beyond. This is why the Michigan DAV is an organization that we are proud to support. Not only do they provide transportation to veterans who need help getting to medical appointments, they were also one of the first organizations to provide counseling for veterans with post-traumatic stress syndrome. They also support family members and help homeless vets get the financial aid they need to get back on their feet and find jobs. I was able to meet several people that the organization has helped first hand. Thank you to all our special guests, who came from all over the country to attend. There are also no words to sufficiently thank all the staff members that worked so hard to make this event a huge success. We hope you all know that we recognize and appreciate your efforts. It would not have been possible without you.

Jay Leno onstage with Ted Stahl at the fundraising event on Nov 10 at the Stahl Automotive Museum

Jay Leno onstage with Ted Stahl at the fundraising event on Nov 10 at the Stahl Automotive Museum

We cannot thank the staff members who made this all possible enough. Everything was perfect and the result of many hours of dedication.

We cannot thank the staff members who made this all possible enough. Everything was perfect and the result of many hours of dedication.

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It was an honor and a pleasure having Jay Leno on hand to help raise funds for the Michigan DAV.

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Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to transform the Stahls Auto Museum.

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Jay Leno on stage at the Stahls Automotive Museum’s Gala Fundraiser for the Michigan Disabled Amercian Veterans on Nov. 10, 2016

What an amazing performance by Jay Leno.

What an amazing performance by Jay Leno.

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Jay Leno outside the Stahl Automotive Museum with “The Spirit of Stahls” 1932 Ford Roadster that has participated in the Great Race.

On Friday, Nov. 11, the Stahl Automotive Museum opened its doors once again to veterans, current service members, and anyone wishing to pay tribute. As in past years, the event was free to attend. Donations were accepted on behalf of the Michigan DAV. There were activities specially prepared to honor our service members and we witnessed much discussion between the generations and the veterans themselves. Many attended in uniform and enjoyed meeting old and new friends. As in previous years, we were honored to have veterans come up and thank us for hosting this event. It is truly we that are honored to be able to do this small thing. We are filled with gratitude for your service and your sacrifices to our country.

We were thankful to welcome this World War II veteran to our Hat Trick for Heroes event at the Stahl Auto Museum on Nov. 11, 2016

We were thankful to welcome this World War II veteran to our Hat Trick for Heroes event at the Stahl Auto Museum on Nov. 11, 2016

On Saturday, Nov. 12, the fundraising continued for the Michigan Disabled American Veterans at the third and final event in the Hat Trick for Heroes. With so many hockey fans in our family and at the company, this event was something that brought us all together for a good cause. We were very pleased that over 1,000 people attended. The St. Clair Shores Hockey arena was filled with fans sporting Red Wings and Stahls jerseys, as well as printed hats, t-shirts and other items sold to raise money for the veterans. Thank you once again to the Detroit Red Wings Alumni who supported this event and also, for not killing our players. It was a great game and we are proud of all our Team Stahls members who trained, practiced and participated.

Mary and Dan Stahl at the puck drop for the Team Stahl vs Detroit Red Wings Alumni game on Nov 12, 2016 in St. Clair Shores, MI

Mary and Dan Stahl at the puck drop for the Team Stahl vs Detroit Red Wings Alumni game on Nov 12, 2016 in St. Clair Shores, MI

The Detroit Red Wings Alumni played Team Stahls in a fundraising effort for the Michigan Disabled American Veterans.

The Detroit Red Wings Alumni played Team Stahls in a fundraising effort for the Michigan Disabled American Veterans.

Fans of all ages came out to support at the final Hat Trick for Heroes event on Nov. 12, 2016

Fans of all ages came out to support at the final Hat Trick for Heroes event on Nov. 12, 2016

These hats were decorated with ThermoFILOCK and were one of the fundraising items sold to benefit the Michigan Disabled American Veterans at the Nov 12 hockey game.

These hats were decorated with ThermoFLOCK and were one of the fundraising items sold to benefit the Michigan Disabled American Veterans at the Nov 12 hockey game.

This won’t be the last time you hear me say it, but thank you to everyone who helped make this three day event one of our most successful fundraising events ever. Without your hard work, it wouldn’t have been possible. A heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers behind the scenes at all the events. It was all for the veterans, and we know you all agree that they are more than deserving.

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One comment

  1. John Minnis says:

    Great Veterans Day events! Jay Leno was fabulous. We were proud to be part of “Hat Trick for Heroes”!

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