Ray Koukari, a member of the Shawano United Methodist Church, takes care of the church’s concession stand at Green Bay Packers games.
He was born in Superior and moved to Milwaukee when World War II started. After graduating from South Division High School, he joined the Army for three years, serving in the Korean War. When he returned from service, he worked at Allen Bradley for six years, then was employed at plumbing and heating companies for 30 years as a salesman. He retired at 62.
In 1969, Koukari and his wife, Audrey, who was from Clintonville, moved to a mobile home in the town of Wescott, where they built a new home. They were married for 54 years before her death last year. They have four children, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Koukari enjoys golfing and bowling.
Q How did the concession stand get started?
A “Four or five years ago, we were looking for a fundraiser for the church. I called the Packers and they said you need at least 10 people, and we have 12 now. Last year, we made $10,700. For a few years, we had two booths on the first floor. It wasn’t very warm. Now we’re inside the Legends room in the Atrium. The workers can watch the game while we’re working. We have to be there four hours ahead of time.”
Q What do you do?
A “I take inventory and am in charge of the money. At the end of the night, we do closing inventory. Each cash register has a total and you check everything out. You get 10 percent of gross sales or $65 per person. We always get paid per person. We sell hamburgers, brats, French fries, wings and chicken strips. When it gets cold at games, people come to us to get something to eat and drink.”
Q How do you get volunteers?
A “I just ask the pastor, and he puts it in the bulletin. You have to take alcohol training. The test is on computer and comes with a certificate, which gets turned in. We can always use more volunteers, and then I can give some of the older people a day off. There are 10 games and the Family Night. The money we make goes to the church for expenses.”
Q Why do you volunteer?
A “Over the last three or four years, I wanted something to do. I know how to handle people. My wife did it for a few years with me. I hope to do it for another year or two.”
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