The Wadena-Deer Creek girl’s basketball team is looking to see a wave of gray at tonight’s game against Bertha-Hewitt. This is part of their “Gray for Gary Night” where fundraiser and events will take place to help the family with expenses.

Gary Packer, father of senior guard, Madison Packer, has been battling brain cancer since October of 2020. He has had a great fight, unfortunately, as of a few days ago, treatments have no longer been effective and they have transitioned to Hospice care. The girls basketball program decided to make tonight’s home game against Bertha-Hewitt, “Gray for Gary Night.”

There will be a variety of fundraisers going on during the night. Gray for Gary bracelets will be sold at the school and at the game. A silent auction, including two fishing trips, a custom ice fishing rod, baked goods, quilts and many other donated items will be up for bid. In addition, there will be a split the pot raffle, as well as halftime games. The  ‘Wolverine Store’ stand will sell donated Wolverine apparel at a discounted price. All proceeds will go to the Packer family. A free will donation chili feed will go from 5-7 p.m. as well.

The WDC girls basketball team are excited to help raise money for the family and said in-part via a Facebook post that:

“Gary, Madison, and the Packer family are near and dear to WDC Girls Basketball, WDC Schools, and the community! Let’s rally together, pack the gym, and make this an incredibly special night for the Packers!”

The team is encouraging everyone to come to the game and wear Gray for Gary in support for him, Madison, and the Packer family. Fans of both teams will be asked to wear gray, with Bertha-Hewitt schools posting to Facebook saying they’ll do just that.

“We are looking forward to Monday packing the Wadena gym for the ‘Gray for Gary’ night to support a family in need. This is a great way to show how communities in need help each other out,” said Bertha-Hewitt head girl’s basketball coach Steven Kvam.

Donations can also be dropped off at the WDC High School for those that are unable to attend the event. The game will also be broadcasted on KWAD AM920 and 101.7FM tonight with a pre-game show starting at 7:15 p.m. and tip-off at 7:30 p.m.

Here is a full list of items up for bid: