Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation Brings Veterans, Sports Legends and Wicked Tuna Captains Together for Wicked Fishing For Vets
Gloucester event supports Operation Sleep Well, helping veterans transition into stable housing
NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI, – September 23, 2026 — The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation recently brought together U.S. veterans, New England Patriots and Boston Bruins alumni, and captains and boats made famous by Wicked Tuna for Wicked Fishing For Vets, a special day on the water benefiting veterans transitioning into housing.
Held Tuesday, September 15th in Gloucester, participants spent the morning deep-sea fishing aboard seven vessels, including boats from the famed Wicked Tuna fleet, before returning to shore for a luncheon and silent auction at the Gloucester House.
Among those participating were former New England Patriots Joe Andruzzi, three-time Super Bowl champion and co-founder and Chief Engagement Officer of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation; Max Lane; Tully Banta-Cain; Eric Martin; and Ilia Jarostchuk. Boston Bruins alum Bill Bennett also joined participating U.S. veterans and Wicked Tuna captains for the event.
“Wicked Fishing For Vets was a special opportunity to bring veterans together with people who wanted to show their appreciation and support while giving everyone a memorable day on the water,” said David Sarlitto, Vice President of Corporate Giving, Ocean State Job Lot. “We’re incredibly grateful to the veterans who joined us, the Wicked Tuna captains and crews who welcomed everyone aboard, the Patriots and Bruins alumni who showed their support, and our friend Annie Powell, who really made the event possible. Through Operation Sleep Well, we’re proud to continue supporting veterans as they transition into safe, stable housing. I’m looking forward to an even bigger event next year.”
Proceeds from Wicked Fishing For Vets benefit the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation’s Operation Sleep Well, which provides essential move-in kits to veterans transitioning into housing. Kits include new pillows, sheet sets, bath and hand towels, washcloths, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, hair care items and other necessities to help veterans settle into their new homes.
The event began with an early-morning departure from Gloucester and concluded with an afternoon luncheon and silent auction at the Gloucester House, providing an opportunity for participating veterans, athletes, and fishing captains and crews to spend the day together both on and off the water.
About Ocean State Job Lot:
Founded in 1977, Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL) is a growing, privately held discount retail chain with 177 stores in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware, nearly 7,000 employees, and annual sales exceeding $900 million. OSJL shoppers find an ever-changing array of brand-name, first-quality merchandise at closeout prices, including household goods, apparel, pet supplies, seasonal products (holiday, gardening, patio, pool and beach supplies), and kitchen pantry staples at a fraction of their typical price.
The company was named a five-time “Best Employer” by Forbes® Magazine*, a six-time U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte, one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Parents & Families 2024 by Newsweek, a five-time winner of the Inspiring Workplaces in North America Award, and four-time Global Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces winner. Ocean State Job Lot is not affiliated with Forbes®.
The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation has a long history of philanthropic leadership, supporting numerous causes, including feeding the hungry, helping the homeless, assisting veterans and military families, aiding animal rescue, caring for children, advancing healthcare, supporting the arts, and promoting learning. The Foundation’s operational, administrative and overhead expenses are covered by Ocean State Job Lot, not the Foundation, ensuring that 100% of every dollar raised through the Foundation goes directly to helping those in need.
Ocean State Job Lot is headquartered in Quonset Point Business Park at 375 Commerce Park Road, North Kingstown, RI 02852. Phone: 401-295-2672. Website: www.oceanstatejoblot.com.
