Events

Pacer Non-Profit Spotlight!

On March 28, 2011, Wish For Our Heroes was recognized by the Indiana Pacers as the Non-Profit Spotlight-of-the-Game. Volunteers sold Pacers tickets throughout the month of March, and the Pacers contributed a percentage to Wish For Our Heroes. $1892.10 was raised as a result. 99 of the tickets sold were donated to soldiers at Camp Atterbury, and several service members volunteered their time at our kiosk to pass out wristbands, magnets, decals, and literature.

Click here to read more -Pacers Non-Profit Spotlight 3-28-11

Wish for Our Heroes Sponsors Military Appreciation Day in Arizona

The Wish for Our Heroes – Arizona sponsored a Military Appreciation Day on Sunday, March 13, 2011. Over 400 persons attended the event that was hosted by Toby Keith’s “I Love This Bar & Grill” at their location in Mesa, Arizona. Thirteen military support organizations from the Phoenix area participated in an information fair as part of the event. Military Appreciation Day was the first of several Wish for Our Heroes’ venues planned in Arizona for the coming months. The primary goals of the event included: (1) a public display of appreciation for the US military, both past and present, (2) visibility for Wish for Our Heroes in Arizona and the US Southwest Region, (3) promoting the value of more ecumenical efforts between military support organizations, (4) entertainment and having fun, and (5) generating revenue for funding of “wishes” in the US Southwest Region. All five goals were successfully accomplished.

The Day’s program began at 2:00 PM with the opening of the information fair and food station outside, plus a silent auction located inside. Shortly thereafter, an Honor Guard of over 50 American Legion Riders from six Arizona Legion Posts “roared in” with Colors flying. Continuous entertainment on the inside stage included the Arizona State Swing Devils, Gypsy Wind Band, and the Uptown Angels. There was face painting, a coloring contest, and a balloon lady to entertain the kids.

The fair closed at 6:00 PM when everyone moved inside for an “America Remembers” tribute to the US military. “America Remembers” is also the name of the hour musical shows that are being produced in support of Wish for Our Heroes in Arizona. The VFW Color Guard from Tolleson, Arizona was introduced by the Arizona State Commander of the VFW and led off the Tribute Program. The Uptown Angels followed with the singing of the National Anthem. The program continued with the song “Proud To Be An American,” sung by Sgt. 1st Class Retired Vernon West, a verbal recognition of America’s military heroes, both past and present, a moment of silence, TAPS, and a specially produced patriotic video for “America Remembers.” The Uptown Angels closed the Tribute by leading the audience in the singing of “God Bless America.”

The overall response to Military Appreciation Day was very positive and I would sincerely like to thank the national Wish for Our Heroes team and all of the volunteers and co-sponsors that made the event successful.