The restaurant chain Mission BBQ has donated $347,068 to the national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) organization.
The restaurant chain has about 135 locations in the country, including a Mission BBQ at 2815 E. 53rd St., Davenport, which opened in 2022. (That restaurant is the first Mission BBQ in Iowa.)
The recent contribution was made possible because of the generosity of Mission BBQ customers and their support of the restaurant’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 – Saturday, Dec. 14.
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-cent refills.
“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 Bill Kraus, co-founder of Mission BBQ in a news release announcing the donation.
WAA is best known for its annual wreath-laying ceremonies throughout the United States and beyond at 4,224 participating locations. One of those wreath-laying sites is on Rock Island Arsenal Island.
“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,” Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America, said in the release. “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.”
