2018 Appreciation Dinner

Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Dinner

Featuring

Colonel (Retired) Ken Rizer

And

Former First Lieutenant Trista Matascastillo

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport Hilton

3800 American Boulevard East, Bloomington, MN 55425

Please join Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund for an evening honoring veterans and their families as we welcome two Minnesota Heroes who will share their experiences serving our country.

Colonel (Retired) Ken Rizer attended the United Sates Air Force Academy, then proceeded to serve 25 years as an Air Force fighter pilot and commander, completing 15 assignments and leading men and women in combat tours in Iraq. Col. Rizer’s last assignment, which concluded in 2012, was commanding Andrews Air Force Base, home of Air Force One. At Andrews, he was responsible for multiple air wings, 60,000 military personnel and their families, and ensuring security for all senior U.S. and foreign officials.

Former First Lieutenant Trista Matascastillo began her military career in 1992 when she enlisted in the United States Navy, where as an avionic technician, she became the first female to serve in that command. She was selected into a commissioning program and transferred into the United States Marine Corps. After four years with the Marine Corps, 1Lt. Matascastillo transferred to the Minnesota National Guard where she served as a full-time Officer. 1Lt. Matascastillo became the first female Air Defense officer and the first female commander of the 34^th Military Police Company.

The fundraising dinner raises money for MMAF, a non-partisan, volunteer- run, non-profit organization with a mission of saying “thanks” to Minnesota military service members by providing cash grants to those who have served in a combat zone since 9/11. Event expenses will be underwritten by our main sponsor, Sit Investment Associates. Therefore, 100 percent of funds raised at the dinner will go directly to Minnesota service members via MMAF grants. 

Purchase Tables or Tickets via Email, call MMAF at 612-359-2516

 or Add to Cart Below

Leadership Table - $25,000

8 tickets to the intimate “VIP Conversation” with Col. Ken Rizer and 1Lt. Trista Matascastillo (5:00PM – 6:00PM)

8 tickets for photo ops with Col. Ken Rizer and 1Lt. Trista Matascastillo

8 tickets to the VIP Reception with Col. Ken Rizer and 1Lt. Trista Matascastillo (6:00PM – 6:50PM)

Program recognition

Table of 8 in a premier location for Dinner/Program (7:00PM)

(In addition to your 8 attendees, your table will also include a service member and their guest).

Contributor Table - $10,000

2 tickets to the intimate “VIP Conversation” with Col. Ken Rizer and 1Lt. Trista Matascastillo (5:00PM – 6:00PM)

2 tickets for photo ops with Col. Ken Rizer and 1Lt. Trista Matascastillo

2 tickets to the VIP Reception with Col. Ken Rizer and 1Lt. Trista Matascastillo (6:00PM – 6:50PM)

Program recognition

Table of 8 for Dinner/Program (7:00PM)

(In addition to your 8 attendees, your table will also include a service member and their guest)

Supporter Table - $5,000

Admission to the General Reception (6:00PM – 6:50PM)

Program recognition

Table of 8 for Dinner/Program (7:00PM)

(In addition to your 8 attendees, your table will also include a service member and their guest).

Patron Ticket - $500

Admission to the General Reception (6:00PM – 6:50PM)