Hockey with Heart: ‘Grit Gives’ Supports Local Community

Junior league hockey team Colorado Grit is turning its passion for the game into a mission for the community with "Grit Gives," a fundraiser to support the Weld Food Bank and ensure no one goes hungry this holiday season.

The Colorado Grit is a tier two junior hockey team based in Greeley. The franchise began in 2023 as a part of an expansion by the North American Hockey League, making it the only NAHL team in Colorado.

In their inaugural season, the Grit left a lasting impression on the Greeley community. With over 35,000 fans attending 60 games, and over $2.9 million in new revenue, the Grit has proven that their team’s engagement is wanted and needed in this community.

With the upcoming “Grit Gives” event, the team is hoping to expand its reach and help those in need. At both weekend games, on Friday Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. and Saturday Nov. 23 at 4 p.m., fans that bring a food item to donate to the Weld Food Bank will receive a free ticket voucher to any future Grit game. Colorado Grit marketing and promotions manager Benson Verbel explained that the time of year felt right to give back to the community.

“It’s the lead up to Thanksgiving and holidays,” Verbel said. “We wanted to do a food drive and give back to the community. And this was a great way to do it, and so we had thought, ‘Why not try?’ So we thought we'd spin off of that with the United Way promoting Colorado Gives here.”

“Grit Gives” coincides with the lead-up to Colorado Gives Day on Dec. 10, an annual event started by the Colorado Gives Foundation. It is the biggest giving movement in the state, raising more than $54 million in 2023.

Tickets to the games this weekend are also majorly discounted. For those who purchase their tickets through the Colorado Grit website, the discount code “GRITGIVES” can be used to bring the cost of admission down to just $10.

In addition to the food drive, “Grit Gives” is partnered with Dutch Bros Coffee. For every goal that the Grit score during their Friday game, Dutch Bros will donate $50 to United Way, a nonprofit that seeks to mobilize communities to action by advancing health, youth opportunities and financial security. Dana Caspar, public relations manager for Dutch Bros’ Northern Colorado franchise, said that the company was excited to have the chance to partner with a new business for a good cause.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of the action,” Caspar said. “I’m excited to enjoy an incredible weekend supporting these amazing causes.”

But “Grit Gives” doesn’t stop there. Along with the donations to the Weld Food Bank and the donation to United Way, a donation will also be presented to the Northern Colorado Veterans Resource Center with the proceeds coming from a recent jersey auction.

This the first time that the Grit will host “Grit Gives,” but Verbel hopes to see it become an annually recurring event.

“We'd love to raise a ton of food for the World Food Bank,” Verbel said. “And we'd love to show off the support of the fans and the team, our community in general. And so that's what I'm hoping for.”

As fans cheer on the Colorado Grit this weekend, they’re not just supporting a team—they’re strengthening a community. Through partnerships, passion and purpose, “Grit Gives” aims to be a lasting tradition that makes a difference for years to come.