Timberwolves Operation Minnesota Heroes Month

Tips Off Saturday

Highlights Include Annual Military Night and 'Give Thanks' Dinner

Minneapolis/St. Paul The Minnesota Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation's Operation Minnesota Heroes Month, presented by the Roger and Nancy McCabe Foundation and POPP Communications, tips off tomorrow, beginning a month-long focus of honoring Minnesota's troops and military veterans through in-game elements, special events and grants.

At each Wolves home game in November, the FastBreak Foundation will honor soldiers for their service through the Heroes in the Making program. Each Hero in the Making will receive a grant from the Minnesota Military Appreciation Fund and will be recognized during an on-court presentation. Throughout the month, the Foundation will also honor Gold Star Families a family that has lost a loved one while in active duty in the Armed Forces.

In November, the FastBreak Foundation will present $5,000 grants to Rebuilding Together Twin Cities and the Minnesota Military Family Foundation to support their programs that benefit Minnesota military troops and their families. Rebuilding Together brings volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of low-income homeowners, particularly older adults, individuals living with disabilities, families with children and active and retired members of the armed services. The Minnesota Military Family Foundation aims to help financially support deployed Minnesota military personnel, their spouses and children with grants during times of extraordinary financial hardship.

Military Night takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 19, when the Wolves host the New York Knicks. The night is highlighted by a military color guard and the recognition of all current and previous members of every branch of the military. The Foundation is donating 5,000 tickets to the game to military troops and their families.

On Monday, Nov. 24, several Timberwolves players will host 150 local Purple Heart recipients, current conflict soldiers and veterans and their family members for the Foundation's annual "Give Thanks" event at SEVEN Steakhouse. Wolves players will serve a Thanksgiving-style meal to their special guests during the event.

About the FastBreak Foundation

The Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation provides and supports hands-on programs that positively impact Minnesota youth. Through giving, education and basketball opportunities, the Foundation enables young people to make responsible decisions, contribute to their futures, and experience lifelong memories. In the past year, the Minnesota Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation and the Minnesota Lynx Foundation have combined to impact 2,146 organizations with $842,790 in in-kind donations, 20,000 Tickets for Kids donations, 3,107 volunteer hours, 53 community members honored on-court, and 15 grants distributed.