VIP admission offers more than early access — it’s an inside look at the heart of Hometown Hero Outdoors and a weekend designed for meaningful connection, elevated access, and unforgettable moments from start to finish.

Friday Night | VIP Gathering

Begin your gala weekend with an exclusive, relaxed gathering held the night before the main event.

Hosted at Stillwater Stills, this intimate experience invites VIP guests to step into a long-standing Hometown Hero Outdoors tradition — where board members, field staff, volunteers, special guests, and supporters come together to reconnect, reflect, and reset.

During this evening, VIP guests will have the opportunity to meet and speak personally with both our Gala Keynote Speaker and 2025 Person of the Year in an informal, conversational setting.

• Gala Keynote Speaker: Anthony “AJ” Johnson

  A nationally recognized voice in community policing, AJ Johnson is known for his powerful, motivating message and his ability to bring people together through authentic conversations centered on leadership, encouragement, and connection.

• 2025 Person of the Year: Jonny Castro Art

  Creator of the Portraits of Valor project, Jonny Castro has honored thousands of fallen heroes across the country through his powerful portrait work, preserving legacies and supporting families and communities nationwide.

Enjoy:

• Enjoy complimentary light bites and non-alcoholic beverages, with a full bar featuring handcrafted cocktails available for purchase

• Unstructured conversation in a warm, rustic yet refined setting

• Personal access to the Gala Keynote Speaker & Person of the Year

• Exclusive VIP door prize giveaways

• A genuine behind-the-scenes look at HHO in its most authentic form

This is not a formal reception — it’s where relationships are built, stories are shared, and the weekend truly begins.

Saturday | VIP Pre-Gala Cocktail Hour

Lumberjack Lodge | 3:30–5:30 PM

Kick off Gala Night with elevated access before doors open to the general audience.

VIP guests will enjoy:

• Exclusive VIP hors d’oeuvres

• Two drink tokens for evening

• Live acoustic music by Cindy Jo

• VIP-only door prize giveaways

This relaxed pre-gala experience sets the tone for the evening while offering priority access, meaningful conversation, and an exceptional atmosphere.

Live Music | Cindy Jo Music

A Minnesota-based country powerhouse, Cindy Jo brings an unmistakable blend of high-energy performance and strong, soulful vocals to the Boots, Suits & Camo Gala experience.

Cindy Jo has appeared on American Idol and The Voice, opened for national acts including Dan + Shay, Craig Morgan, Sara Evans, and Clay Walker, and has performed with organizations such as the Minnesota Wild and St. Paul Saints. Known for her engaging stage presence and authentic sound, she delivers music that feels both classic country and unmistakably her own.

VIP guests receive enhanced access and premium benefits, including early check-in & priority entry, priority seating closer to the gala stage, and a VIP Swag Gift featuring special select items.

VIP tickets are intentionally limited to preserve the intimacy and quality of the experience.

If you’re looking for more than admission — if you want connection, access, and a deeper look into the mission you support — the VIP Experience is where your gala weekend begins.