Help support VFW’s Unmet Needs program
EDITOR:
As you may know, since 2007 Burger King franchisees and their customers have contributed $6.3 million to the VFW Unmet Needs program. We’ve put that generosity to work, providing nearly $12 million in assistance to more than 10,200 veterans and military families in need.
Established in 2017, the VFW’s annual #ThankBK Appreciation Week event helps provide a way for the VFW to show our appreciation for Burger King franchisees’ continued support and dedication toward America’s heroes.
With the current situation surrounding coronavirus and many restaurant dining rooms closed, it’s important that we still find ways to show Burger King how much we appreciate their support, which is why I’m encouraging VFW and VFW Auxiliary members to utilize the drive-through to support your local Burger King restaurants the week leading up to, and including Armed Forces Day, May 10-16, and purchase a meal. From utilizing the drive-through, to mobile ordering and the wide availability of food delivery services, VFW and Auxiliary members have several options tohelp you patronize your local restaurant while taking all necessary health safety precautions.
Showing Burger King our support is important, possibly more now than ever, because it’s through their efforts that we’re able to provide service members, veterans and their families the support they need.
Proudly wear your VFW apparel while ordering, and be sure to ask for the manager’s business card so you can email them the appreciation letter we’ve prepared for you. Let them know the VFW is there to support their restaurant, just as they have supported our Unmet Needs program. You can even help spread the word about this event by downloading the promotional toolkit we’ve created.
If you encounter a Burger King franchisee or manager who has not participated in supporting the Unmet Needs program and would like information about the July or November Burger King/VFW Unmet Needs fundraising campaigns, please direct them to:
Ben Vargas, VFW Foundation assistant manager at bvargas@vfw.org or 816-968-2720.
As an extra incentive to participate, the VFW Foundation will hold a drawing to award 10 VFW posts and auxiliaries with a $1,000 Community Support Grant. VFW posts and auxiliaries can qualify in one of two ways:
Submit copies of BK receipts dated during the contest time period.
Submit screen shots of your social media posts, which must include a photo of yourself at a BK store drive-through, order pickup, or with your Burger King food delivery, and include the #ThankBK hashtag and your post number.
Entries must be submitted to foundation@vfw.org and received during the contest period, May 10-16, 2020. Each entry will be included in the prize drawing, and each post/auxiliary that is drawn will receive a $1,000 VFW Foundation Community Support Grant to be used for a community service project of their choice. Let’s all find ways to support Burger King during these trying times, while staying safe and healthy.
For Veterans,
William ‘Doc’ Schmitz
VFW National
Commander
