Mark Wahlberg to promote new film at Hy-Vee fundraiser
By 7 | The Des Moines Register. Part of the USA TODAY NETWORK.
Mark Wahlberg stars in “Patriots Day.”
(Photo: Karen Ballard/CBS Films)
Actor and producer Mark Wahlberg will be in Des Moines next week to promote his new film “Patriots Day” and raise money for the Hy-Vee Homefront Initiative program that supports veterans and other groups.
Wahlberg will speak in front of several hundred people at the private event Monday at the Hy-Vee corporate campus in West Des Moines before a screening of “Patriots Day,” the story of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing that killed three and injured 264. Wahlberg, a Boston native, starred in and produced the film.
“Patriots Day” is set to be released in theaters nationally Jan. 13.
The invitation-only crowd will include police officers, firefighters, representatives from the American Red Cross and others, said Hy-Vee spokeswoman Tina Potthoff.
Donations raised at the event will benefit nonprofits that support military veterans and their families as well as the American Red Cross.
The Hy-Vee Homefront initiative was created to serve the men and women who have served America. The initiative is comprised of several company efforts, including fundraising campaigns, veterans and military member employee recruitment and other activities to honor heroes throughout the Midwest, according to the company.
“Patriots Day” focuses on the real-life stories of the first responders, law enforcement, state and local officials who worked to apprehend radicalized terrorist brothers Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. Tamerlan Tsarnaev died in a shootout with police, and his brother was sentenced to death in the bombings.
Pottoff said when Wahlberg heard about Hy-Vee’s efforts to raise money for local heroes, including Urbandale police Officer Justin Martin and Des Moines police Sgt. Anthony “Tony” Beminio, who were shot 20 minutes apart Nov. 2 while each sat in his patrol car, Wahlberg partnered with Hy-Vee for the event.
Hy-Vee forged a relationship with Wahlberg, a fitness enthusiast, when the grocery store chain became the exclusive grocer to sell Wahlberg’s new Performance Inspired nutrition products, the company said.
Beginning in March, Hy-Vee stores will be selling Performance Inspired protein powders and bars and other items at its stores. The products are now sold online.
Wahlberg has teamed up with former GNC executive Tom Dowd and professional basketball player Draymond Green to create the supplement brand.
Wahlberg started his career in the musical group Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch before launching an acting career that includes films such as “Boogie Nights,” “Three Kings,” “The Perfect Storm,” “The Departed” and “Ted.”
He also is an owner in a family restaurant business called Wahlburgers.
