Above / Since November 2020, MISSION BBQ has been located in Westridge Court in Naperville. On December 4, 2024, 129 locations will receive veterans’ wreaths because of the generous donations in the communities where MISSION BBQ customers support the mission. (PN File Photo)
COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine, and COLUMBIA, MD / MISSION BBQ has announced the donation of $347,068 to national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA). This contribution was made possible thanks to the generosity of MISSION BBQ customers and their support of MISSION BBQ’s special American Heroes Cups.
The donation will sponsor Veterans’ wreaths to remember our fallen U.S. service members laid to rest at 129 participating locations for placement on National Wreaths Across America Day – Sat., Dec. 14, 2024.
MISSION BBQ co-founder Bill Kraus presented this donation to WAA’s executive director Karen Worcester today, Feb. 21, 2024, in Columbia, Md.
“We remain proud and humbled to stand with Wreaths Across America and the amazing work they continue to do to Remember, Honor and Teach,” said Kraus, in a news release.
WAA is best known for its annual wreath-laying ceremonies throughout the United States and beyond at 4,224 participating locations. However, the nonprofit’s yearlong mission to Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom is carried out by millions of volunteers across the country through many community programs.
“This year’s Wreaths Across America’s theme is ‘Live with Purpose,’ and MISSION BBQ is a company that embodies this through their community initiatives and core values,” noted Karen Worcester, executive director, Wreaths Across America. “To be a program and mission worthy of their support and that of their customers is beyond humbling. We continue to be grateful for their support and that of their customers.”
“We wouldn’t have the freedoms we have today if it wasn’t for our nation’s veterans who stepped up for us time and time again,” stated Steve Newton with Kraus jointly, founders of MISSION BBQ. “We are humbled by the hard work of our teammates, who ask all of our customers for their support, and all the good that will be done for our so deserving American Heroes in remembering their lives, service, and sacrifices.”
American Heroes Cups are available year-round, retailing at $4.99, with $2 of every cup purchase donated to a charity supporting national military charities and local first responders. Customers are encouraged to return their American Heroes Cup during future visits to the restaurant and receive $.99 refills.
In Naperville, MISSION BBQ is located in Westridge Court at 376 Illinois Route 59. Mission BBQ is known to lend support to local events, including dinners held by American Legion Post 43, Naperville Responds for Veterans and the Gold Star Memorial Monument Committee.
To find other locations, visit mission-bbq.com/locations.
For more information, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/Home/News/1093.
