Culver's Day of Giving Results In $33,000 for Honor Flight Chicago
As Memorial Day celebrations allowed us to pause and thank all those who have bravely served our country, Culver's of Arlington Heights and the other 63 Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Culver's restaurants combined their efforts on May 21 to raise $33,000 for Honor Flight Chicago.
Each month, the non-profit Honor Flight Chicago escorts World War II veterans on a one-day excursion to see the memorial built in their honor—the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. There is no cost to the WWII veteran for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Culver's restaurants kicked off their year-long support for the charity with the May 21 ‘Day of Giving.' “This was our opportunity to give back to those who proudly served,” said Culver's of Arlington Heights owner Chuck Martin.
Added Martin: “We thank all the families that made a special effort to visit Culver's on May 21 in support of Honor Flight Chicago and its mission of recognizing our veterans with a day of honor, remembrance and celebration from a grateful nation.”
More than 40 Culver's restaurants displayed four-foot tall thank you cards for guests to sign while also selling large American flags with proceeds benefitting Honor Flight Chicago. Each store donated 10% of total sales that day to Honor Flight and, in July, Culver's will serve as official sponsor for that month's flight.
Throughout the coming months, Culver's owners and associates will be part of the entourage that welcomes our WWII veterans back from Washington D.C. upon each Honor Flight Chicago's return home. Upon return to Midway Airport, the veterans are met with thunderous applause by friends and family, local dignitaries, marching bands, bagpipers, and thousands of cheering fans.
Honor Flight Chicago has flown over 4,000 WWII veterans to date, yet the national census shows that there are 25,000 WWII veterans living in the Chicagoland area. Culver's is proud to help identify and recruit these brave men and women for a trip of a lifetime. Applications can be picked up at any local Culver's restaurant in Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana. For more information about Honor Flight Chicago, visit www.honorflightchicago.org or call 773-227-8387.