Mission BBQ restaurants recently donated $369,590 to national nonprofit Wreaths Across America.
The Wreaths Across America organization is best known for its annual wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 3,700 participating locations throughout the U.S. and beyond, but their year-long mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom.
The recent donation by the restaurant chain – which includes a Davenport location – will help sponsor more than 24,000 veterans’ wreaths to remember fallen U.S. service members at 101 participating locations during the 2023 holiday season.
Mission BBQ Co-Founder Bill Kraus presented the donation this week to Wreaths Across America Executive Director Karen Worcester in Columbia, Maryland.
“We remain proud and humbled to stand with Wreaths Across America and the amazing work they continue to do to Remember, Honor and Teach,” Mr. Kraus said in a news release.
Mission BBQ opened its Davenport location at 2815 E. 53rd St. last year – marking its first restaurant in Iowa. The restaurant chain has more than 120 locations around the country.
The Wreath Across America donation was made possible thanks to the generosity of MISSION BBQ customers and their support of MISSION BBQ’s special American Heroes Cups. 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 bring back their American Heroes Cup on return visits to the restaurant and receive 99-cent refills.
“In 2022, Wreaths Across America’s theme was ‘Find a Way to Serve,’ and MISSION BBQ is a company who has committed to doing just that,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, Wreaths Across America. “The impact they make in the communities they serve, through the generous support of their customers, is significant. They go above and beyond to not only support our year long mission to Remember, Honor and Teach, but so many other important programs in communities where their employees and customers live and work.”
“We will forever be grateful for their support and commitment to the mission,” she added.
