“The Real Heroes” ARC Event Recap – Rizer Family

Daddy Dolls our parent sponsor, works within the military community on other benefits that sometimes provide parallel relationships that are both supportive of Daddy Dolls business and that also bring awareness  and support to our Non Profit Mission to provide Free Hug A hero Dolls to Those families who meet OHAH eligibility requirements. In that venue back in October 2009 Daddy Dolls sponsored an event with the American Red Cross of San Diego. We recently received permission to  publish a letter we had received from this event. Here is the event recap.

“Daddy Dolls, Inc. has partnered with the American Red Cross San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter to help provide Hug-A-Hero dolls to children who are missing their mommy or daddy.  In a recent breakfast honoring “The Real Heroes” which took place on board the USS Midway, there were surprises waiting for some of the Little Heroes in attendance.

Please read on to hear about the heartfelt experience this had on the children attending, especially little Miss Katie Rizer.”

“Good afternoon: Words cannot express how grateful I am for what your company did in support of our Real Heroes Breakfast. The event, held on board the USS MIDWAY was very successful, attracting over 800 people from our community, all of whom were touched by the Hug-a-Hero dolls at their tables. When it was announced that the individuals on the dolls were real service members currently deployed and that the dolls were donated as gifts to their families, a long applause erupted throughout the hanger deck. Many folks throughout the morning commented on the dolls and on how real they made the experience of military families who find ways to cope with missing parents and absentee spouses as a measure of their commitment to something bigger than themselves.

Your generosity also allowed us to invite ten Marines from the Wounded Warrior Program at Balboa Naval Hospital. They were grateful for the invitation and enjoyed a front row seat as they heard Rear Admiral Bonnelli thank them for their sacrifice and services. Most of all, I want you to know that your generosity made all the difference in the world to Katie Rizer, a six year old young girl whose father is currently deployed aboard the USS SAMPSON. Katie misses her father terribly and her mother Rebecca feels the pain of trying to help a young girl understand something that, on an emotional level, no six year old can understand. Katie and her mother were able to attend the breakfast as quests of your company.

I had the privilege of escorting them to their table. As we reached the table and I was introducing them to others seated there, Katie’s eyes became as big as saucers and she could not contain herself. Politely but with great emotion, Katie drew her mother’s attention to the center piece and said, “Mommy Look! It’s Daddy.” Everyone at the table turned to Katie who was a picture of unabashed joy. Rebecca, seeing the picture of her husband and watching her daughter’s joy, could not contain herself. Large tears filled her eyes and she sobbed deeply while a touching smile crossed her face. Katie’s natural response and the warm and supportive response of those seated at the table made it a moment to cherish. Rebecca let me know several times during and after the event how much this meant to her and to Katie. You and your company helped make that possible.

I know of no other way to tell you how much I appreciate what you helped me do and the potential impact of your contribution, than to send you a picture. Please enjoy and share the moment you helped create………………..Best and more later, Charlie

Charlie Fleishman

Manager, Services to the Armed Forces

American Red Cross San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter”