For 12 nights between Nov. 19 and Dec. 27, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, located in Chanhassen, Minnesota, will honor local veterans with a memorable dining experience. Each night, one veteran and their three guests will enjoy dinner and a performance of “White Christmas: The Musical”, a heartwarming story about two veterans who, after World War II, help their former commanding general save his struggling inn by putting on a show.
Joel Rainville, director of marketing and sales at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, emphasizes recognizing veterans beyond traditional occasions. “It’s about letting them know that we thank them for their service and that they haven’t been forgotten,” Rainville said.
Founded in 1968, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres has brought a touch of Broadway to Minnesota for 56 years. The theater has a long history of partnering with organizations that support veterans, combat food insecurity, and aid in disaster relief. Given the theme of White Christmas, the theater wanted to continue its support for veterans, partnering with Comcast, which provided tickets and meals for the honorees and their families.
“Through this special sponsorship with Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, we’re humbled by the opportunity to honor these veterans and their families on 12 special nights this holiday season,” said Stacey Nelson-Kumar, director of community impact for Comcast’s Midwest Region.
Comcast also collaborates with local veteran support organizations, including the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V), Every Third Saturday, and the Chanhassen Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), as part of its commitment to community engagement.
“We’re proud to partner with local organizations that support veterans, service members, and military families in Chanhassen and across the region,” Nelson-Kumar continues.
In the past, Comcast has worked closely with MAC-V to provide stable internet systems, affordable internet plans, and devices to help veterans stay connected to educational and employment opportunities. Jon Lovald, an Army veteran and chief operating officer for MAC-V, played a crucial role in selecting the honorees for this event.
MAC-V supports more than 1,700 veterans annually with services, including housing stability, healthcare navigation, legal aid, and employment assistance. The organization’s name traces back to the Vietnam War era’s Military Assistance Command, Vietnam.
“Veterans Day, you know, it’s a huge deal. That’s when everyone thinks about veterans,” Lovald said. “But this particular event highlights a veteran not just on Veterans Day, and I think that’s important.”
Each honoree will receive VIP treatment, including reserved parking, personalized greetings, photo opportunities, a specially designated dining table, and all-inclusive food and beverage service. The theater will also feature announcements and signage recognizing the veteran’s attendance. An audience spotlight will give attendees the chance to express their appreciation. A tribute to the honorees will also be on Comcast’s and Chanhassen Dinner Theatres’ social media platforms.
While Veterans Day has passed, supporting veterans remains essential year-round. “People don’t have to do anything extraordinary,” Lovald said. “You can help by just doing what you do.” He encouraged volunteering time, energy, and resources in ways that align with your existing skills. He added, “If you think a veteran needs help, just assume they do because it’s hard for veterans to ask for help.”
To learn more about how you can support veterans, visit MAC-V’s volunteer page. For more information about Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, visit CDT-White Christmas. Learn more about how Comcast supports veterans by visiting Comcast Military Engagement.