A Salute to Cheyenne’s Million Dollar Man, Brian ‘Alf’ Grzegorczyk

Last night, Cheyenne's Thankful Thursday officially passed a major milestone. In six years, the event has now raised over $1 milllion for local charities.

That's an amazing accomplishment and it wouldn't be possible without your generosity and the hard work of Brian "Alf" Grzegorczyk.

Thankful Thursday began with an idea at a bar. KLEN personality Rodeo Rick Darcy wanted to give back to the community. Together, Darcy and "Alf" planned the event, which has since become the biggest charity fundraiser in Cheyenne.

Over the years, Alf has been tirelessly devoted to the cause.

Even after selling the Redwood Lounge, where the event was held for its first five years, Alf continued to emcee the weekly "party with a purpose", along with booking local charities, helping secure auction items from sponsors, local media promotion, keeping the books, handling winners and prizes and distributing the proceeds to local charities.

There's nothing Alf wasn't willing to do. Last year, he even delivered on a promise to wear a bikini in exchange for a donation. He raised more money after promising to put his clothes back on.

If you ever see Alf at a Thankful Thursday event, which recently moved to AmVets Post 10 on 3839 East Lincolnway, or at his pub on East 19th Street, raise your glass to Cheyenne's "Million Dollar Man."

Earlier this year, the Wyoming Association of Broadcasters honored Thankful Thursday with the "Best Public Service" Award. The concept has been so successful, it was later expanded to Casper, where it as also now approaching the $1 million mark.