Operation Hug-A-Hero 3rd Annual Holiday Hugs Campaign

 

There is still time to participate in Operation Hug-A-Hero’s 3^rd Annual Holiday Hugs Campaign. Local businesses, schools, churches, military spouses’ clubs and other interested organizations are invited to adorn a holiday tree with Holiday Hug ornaments. A $17 donation ensures a Hug-A-Hero doll will be gifted to an eligible child. Donors can write a personal message to the recipient on the back of their ornament which will be used as a gift tag for the Hug-A-Hero doll that will be sent to the child.  See our Press Release here

Beyond the Uniform Book Benefits Operation Hug-A-Hero

Operation Hug-A-Hero to Receive Proceeds from Sale of “Beyond The Uniform”

Operation Hug-A-Hero is pleased to announce a partnership with “Beyond the Uniform”, every military girl’s survival guide. The authors, Megan Bekkedahl and Melaina Lausen will graciously donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale of their newly released “Beyond The Uniform”, a 226 page guide for those married to or dating someone in uniform.

“Beyond The Uniform” is a collection of stories covering a wide variety of topics concerning military life. These inspirational, sometimes funny, and always interesting stories feature tips on surviving deployment, making new friendships and even includes recipes for entertaining!

The Operation Hug-A-Hero program provides a tangible, comforting connection between military children and their deployed or fallen military loved one. Hug-A-Hero dolls, featuring the photo of the military loved one, become a constant companion for many military children as they face doctor’s visits, tough days at school, or long nights missing the absent parent.

“We believe each child experiencing the absence of a parent deployed or the permanent absence of a parent who has fallen in the line of duty deserves the extra comfort our Hug-A-Hero dolls provide, “ said Lisa Berg, Executive Director, Operation Hug-A Hero. “Each Hug-A-Hero doll is one of a kind.”

Operation Hug-A-Hero salutes the generosity of Ms. Bekkedahl and Ms Lausen. We encourage everyone to purchase their copy of “Beyond The Uniform” to support giving America’s littlest heroes their very own Hug-A-Hero doll. To purchase your copy, simply go to Lulu.com.

For more information contact Lisa Berg, OHAH Executive Director lisa AT operationhugahero.org or Carla Olivo, OHAH Director of Communications media AT operationhugahero.org

Hittin’ the Links for OPERATION Hug-A-Hero – SOLD OUT

Friends of OPERATION Hug-A-Hero in Naples, FL are hosting their inaugural golf tournament in the SW Florida area at the Grey Oaks Country Club on Saturday, June 18, 2011.  It is only fitting that this tournament coincide with Father’s Day weekend, as so many of the heroes that we honor at OPERATION Hug-A-Hero are fathers that are deployed in harm’s way.  The tournament’s capacity of 80 players was quickly reached – a testament to the SW Florida community – rich in patriotism and home to many retired service members.

OPERATION Hug-A-Hero volunteer, Michael Cox, whose son-in-law is a United States Marine, has led the effort to establish the tradition of a series of golf tournaments to benefit OPERATION Hug-A-Hero at premier golf courses in SW Florida.  Cox’s goal is to organize at least 2 more tournaments in 2011.

For more information, please contact us at info AT operationhugahero.org!

Way to go Mike and our thanks to all of the players for their support!

Update on Family Fun Run in Walled Lake, Michigan

Just a reminder that the 3rd Annual 5K and Family Fun Run in Walled Lake, Michigan will be held Saturday May 29th.  This event supports Operation Hug-A-Hero and The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund.  It should prove to be a fun event! The Support Our Troops 5K Run will begin with a grand opening celebration that includes an Honor Guard flag raising ceremony and the national anthem performed by local singer Gracie Jessup. All runners and walkers will enjoy a healthy brunch after the event provided by Uptown Grille and Great Harvest Bread in Commerce Township.

For more information please go to the Walled Lake, MI website for more information or to Run Michigan dot com to register!

Press release for 3rd Annual 5K and Family Fun Run

Memorial Golf Tournament

In memory of Lt Robert (Bart) Fletcher, his parents, Jack and Ginny Luther are holding a golf tournament in memory of him.  They would like military-affiliated non-profit organizations to benefit from their organization.  This is a great way to keep his spirit alive.

For more information please see this story about this golf tournament:  http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2011/apr/27/foundation-plans-benefit-golf-tournament-in-memory/

We Heart the Troops Memorial Day Celebration and Benefit May 13th

We Heart the Troops Memorial Day Celebration & Benefit in tribute to the thousands of service members who have served.  This event will take place on May 13th starting at 8pm at the Newport Beachside Resort in Miami.

We appreciate the We Heart the Troops foundation for choosing Operation Hug-A-Hero as one of their beneficiaries to this event.  To register for this event in advance, please go to EventBrite.

Schools “Dress Down” for OPERATION Hug-A-Hero

Schools “Dress Down” for OPERATION Hug-A-Hero

Join us in celebrating the Month of the Military Child by “Dressing Down” at your school!  Don’t have a uniform dress code at your school?  Join us in a “Pennies for Heroes” fund drive instead!

For our “Dress Down” fundraiser, you determine the amount of the donation that earns your students a dress down day, and we will provide a customized promotional flyer template for you to promote your tribute to military children.

For our “Pennies for Heroes” fundraiser, put a collection receptacle in your school office, cafeteria, gymnasium during sporting events and raise funds for OPERATION Hug-A-Hero!  Again, we will provide a promotional flyer for you to  post and distribute to your students and on your website.

For more information, contact our Director of Development, Stephanie Crabb at 888-HUG-0329, ext 113 or Stephanie At operationhugahero.org. 

Down Load a Full Resolution PDF -SAMPLE-Version of our Dress Down FLYER

Calendar Fundraiser for Operation Hug-A-Hero

Help Support this creative group of women who are now selling their 3rd Annual “Pit Bulls n Pretty Girls” Calendar!  100% of their proceeds goes to Operation Hug-A-Hero!  We are so appreciative of their support!

You can find their calendar at http://www.cafepress.com/rubypress.

Thank you, Michelle and all the volunteers (models and K-9s)!

iGive.com Donates to Operation Hug-A-Hero on your Behalf

Countdown to Black Friday – iGive for the Holidays 2010

This holiday season, buy a gift that includes an automatic donation to OPERATION Hug-A-Hero at not cost to you when you shop at any of over 700 participating online stores (including Amazon, eBay, Toys-R-Us, and many more) through iGive.  A portion of each purchase comes back to support our cause in the form of a donation check when you register OPERATION Hug-A-Hero as your charity of choice!  It is that easy!

It’s free for you, free for us, and you pay the same (or less!) than you would by going directly to the online stores you usually shop at. Plus, there is a $5 donation bonus for your first purchase (within 45 days of registering).

To all you smart shoppers: don’t miss iGive’s treasure-trove of coupons, sales, and free shipping. Save money, save time, and send gifts that give twice. What could be better than that? You can use iGive anytime for any purchase- it doesn’t have to be gifts for someone else, and you can get a tax deduction receipt for the portion iGive donates on your behalf.

If you download the iGive Toolbar, you will donate a penny for every search you make too! Plus, the automatic tracking feature means you don’t have to remember to start at iGive.com when you shop most stores. Check out the 700+ online stores after you register, and watch for special rate donations. For example, right now if you join eBay through the iGive link and place a bid or Buy-It-Now in the next 30 days, an $11 donation will be sent on your behalf to Operation Hug-A-Hero.

Want to get a headstart on planning your online shopping? Check out Blackfriday.info’s Black Friday Deals for all of the online specials from major stores that could be yours.  Then, click on over to  iGive.com to make your purchase count for our littlest heroes! Just don’t forget to search “Operation Hug-A-Hero” to select our cause and bookmark it before you start shopping!

As always, we thank you for your support!

Inflate World sponsors Operation Hug-A-Hero

Local Tampa Area Business provides Fundraising Opportunity for Operation Hug-A-Hero for the entire month of November 2010.

John & Jennifer Ferraiolo, owners of Inflate World located at 2552 Merchant Ave in Odessa, FL 33556 have graciously offered to sponsor Operation Hug-A-Hero for the entire month of November.  What that means is for every admission, which is $10, they will donate $2 to our cause!  This applies every Friday night at their Open Play (excluding the Friday after Thanksgiving, as they will be closed).

With all the holiday breaks from school this month kids are going to build up a lot of extra energy, especially if they stay indoors due to the cooler weather.  If you’re looking for a fun place to take your kids or perhaps you have a birthday party to plan, then Inflate World is the place to go.  It’s fun for adults too!

Inflate World is a clean, safe, and fun Indoor Inflatable Party Center offering thrilling private parties and events for children.

What a great donation this company is giving to us.  20% of every ticket to help support our littlest heroes!

Local Merchants – Are you looking for a way to bring in customers this Holiday Season?  Please contact us so that we can show you a way to do just that and at the same time provide a Charitable contribution that supports a great service to our active duty military families.  Please check out our Planning a Fund Raiser page and then contact our Executive Director, Lisa Berg for more information or submit a request via our Contact Page.

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