Gladiators Captain Andy Brandt – Bingo caller
But for the past several months, he has been moonlighting from his hockey jobs to act as a Bingo caller, of all things. It is not a salaried job. The only pay he receives is the smiles from the children that are in the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Hospital. That is compensation enough.
According to Gladiators Vice President of New Media Sales and Communications, Dustin Bixby, the idea for these special visits came after the team delivered stuffed animals from last year’s Teddy Bear Toss to the children at the hospital. Bixby, the team, and the hospital wanted to explore additional ways to be involved with the children.
Brandt vividly remembers that first visit.
“It was tough,” Brandt said. “You see young kids ailing with very life-threatening illnesses. And at the same time, you want to put a smile on your face for them and just be in the moment with them.”
Brandt and his teammates saw the happiness they brought to the children by listening to them and speaking to them about their favorite sports and athletes. Most importantly, they notice the relief the children felt as they had a break from dealing with all their medical concerns.
Now on Thursdays, travel and game schedule permitting, Brandt is the guest caller for the weekly bingo nights.
“I try to get out into the community.” Brandt said.
It is easy to see that the littlest members of the community are the ones that are dearest to his heart and not just during the holiday season. The Gladiators started the Bingo night program over the summer.
“We just want to get out there and try to make them think about something other than their illness.” Brandt said.
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