A Wilcox and Kane Partnership Brings 100 Veterans to White Christmas
“Our hearts are so embedded in the City of Portsmouth, that when the opportunity presented itself, we just couldn’t say no,” says Kane of their sponsorship. Kane and Teetzel have a close friendship spanning 30 years and counting, and are known for supporting the causes that are important to each other. “He’s the most generous guy I know,” says Teetzel. Kane responds, “next to you.”
For Teetzel, who founded defense contracting firm Wilcox Industries 35 years ago, supporting veterans is intrinsic to what he and his company stand for. He feels “very fortunate to have supported the military through the years,” and is aggressive in hiring retired veterans. In fact, it’s his team of 250 talented employees who are the motivation behind his community support. “A community that supports creativity attracts strong talent,” is his firm belief. Providing White Christmas tickets to Veterans Count is just one of the ways he combines that support with keeping a spotlight on veterans, believing we all have a responsibility to ensure that future generations never forget their service.
Kane agrees, and shares another personal motivation – as a Portsmouth native, he considers the Seacoast community “his team.” “Everyday, I put on my jersey and root for my team. I want to see my team win.” Kane is a former Board member of The Music Hall, and has been a Stakeholder for many years. His real estate firm, The Kane Company, was one of the first sponsors for our Intimately Yours series.
Both gentlemen enjoy contributing to the vitality of the Seacoast and feel that their desire to give back is not unique. “That’s what’s so great about Portsmouth,” says Kane, “there’s a lot of passionate people willing to pitch in.” Sounds a bit like a musical we all love about veterans, doesn’t it?