Jacksonville Beach, FL – From coast to coast, over 50 Family Entertainment Centers, water parks, and amusement parks are joining forces to help ensure a bright future for Gold Star children, a name given to military kids who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Stars for Scholars is a nationwide fundraiser to benefit Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation (Fallen Patriots) from July through September 2018.
When people donate, they write their name on a paper gold star to recognize their contribution in helping make the hopes and dreams of Gold Star students come true. Fallen Patriots’ mission is to provide college scholarships and educational counseling to the nearly 20,000 children who have lost a parent in service to our country over the past 35 years.
Inspired by Putt for the Fallen, a 3-year fundraising event which raised over $50,000 at miniature golf facilities, Stars for Scholars is proud to honor the sacrifices of these soldiers who died to protect American freedom by investing in their children with this fundraiser.
“We believe one of the best ways we can honor our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country is to invest in the future of those they loved most in the world: their children,” said Chris Petrakos, Development Officer, Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. “Through its fundraising campaigns, Family Entertainment Centers have generated awareness for our mission and contributed over $50,000 to scholarships for Gold Star students. We couldn’t be more honored to receive all of the support.”
“As a Gold Star child myself, it’s amazing to see people come together to make a difference in the lives of so many Gold Star families while having fun,” explains Haley Hartwick, Development Administrator, Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. “Through past fundraisers, Stars for Scholars has been able to provide eight years of college for our Fallen Patriots scholars. To put it in perspective, that’s two Gold Star children attending the four-year university of their dreams – that’s simply amazing. I am so excited to see what this year’s campaign brings!”
Live Oak Bank, Dion Marketing, and FreightCo Logistics are this year’s sponsors. Sponsorships help fund the promotional kits that participants receive to execute the promotion, such as posters, paper balls, coupons, stickers and flyers. Each location paid $99 for a promotional kit which included electronic materials such as social media posting art, a recorded PSA and a participant guide. Over $1000 worth of prizes will be awarded to participating locations for top fundraising, most social media engagement and best effort.
Ensuring the dreams of those left behind, 100% of the donations will go directly to scholarships and long-term educational counseling for the children of fallen heroes.
To view participating locations, visit www.starsforscholars.com.
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