Many sports fans dream of seeing their name on the back of their favorite team’s jersey. That dream came true for Todd Bevering when Chicago Blackhawks Left Wing Alex DeBrincat skated out onto the ice on Jan. 22 with the name “BEVERING” on the back of his jersey.
Was it a contest? A sponsorship? No. Todd, a lines leader from our Aurora, Ill. Store, earned the honor by demonstrating excellent service as an essential worker – particularly during the pandemic.
“I would like to formally thank you for all that you have done to help others during the pandemic. You are a true community hero and one of the driving factors to getting our great city back on its feet,” said a Blackhawks spokesperson.
When the Blackhawks reached out to Meijer in search of an essential worker to honor, Todd was at the top of the list for the greater Chicago area.
“Todd leads his team with passion, energy and a connection to the Meijer vision,” Meijer Market Director Crystal Anderson in her nomination. “He sets the bar high, leads by example in the way he develops and guides his team, challenges those around him to be their best self and always keeps his focus on taking care of the community he and his team serve.”
The recognition means a lot to Todd.
“For a player to put on that jersey with my last name and skate on the United Center ice made me feel so proud of everything I achieved while working at Meijer,” he said. “It was amazing to the see the Blackhawks post on their social media accounts my jersey along with the other frontline workers. It made feel that my role during COVID was valued so much because I helped enrich lives in the community I serve during very difficult times for both team members and our customers.”
If you ask Todd if he’s a die-hard Blackhawks fan, he’ll likely say “that’s a funny story.” He grew up as a Blackhawks fan, but married into a devout Detroit Red Wings family. So he said, “for the sake of my marriage and family gatherings, I decided to root for the Red Wings. But being from Chicago, I always secretly wanted my team to win.”
Your secret is safe with us, Todd.
Click here to read about Todd and see the other Chicago healthcare heroes and essential workers honored by the Blackhawks.