Milwaukee Bucks owner Herb Kohl acknowledges the applause of fans during the first half of a game in April at the Bradley Center. Credit: Mark Hoffman

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It was a surprise that left employees of the Milwaukee Bucks' arena stunned and some in tears.

Outgoing owner Herb Kohl sent BMO Harris Bradley Center employees a letter of appreciation as he leaves the team. And inside every note of gratitude was a check for $500.

Bradley Center usher Izeal Atkins says he's not quick to shed a tear. But when he opened his letter, he couldn't help but cry. Atkins says "nobody just walks up and gives you $500."

Security guard Markeish Stringer tells WISN-TV he was surprised and very happy when he opened his letter from Kohl. Stringer says "you just don't hear about ... people doing that."

The former U.S. senator has sold the team to New York investment firm executives Wesley Edens and Marc Lasry for about $550 million.