Dream Foundation Named National Beneficiary of Carl’s JR. and Hardee’s Fifth Annual Stars for Heroes Campaign
CARPINTERIA, Calif.— CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., parent company of Carl’s Jr.® and Hardee’s® restaurants, kicks off its fifth annual Stars for Heroes™ fundraising campaign this week at participating locations. The program, which has raised more than $3.5 million since its inception in 2011, harnesses the compassion and generosity of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s customers, franchisees and employees to rally behind the nation’s active-duty military, veterans and their families. Funds raised during this year’s campaign will support national charity partners, Dream Foundation’s Dreams for Veterans program and USA Cares, as well as dozens of regional and local military-focused charities in the communities in which Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s serve.
The 2015 Stars for Heroes fundraising campaign begins today and runs through June 16. To participate, restaurant guests donate $1 in support of military charities. For each $1 donation, guests receive a commemorative “I support military veterans and families” patriotic star-shaped cut-out to personalize and display in the restaurant. They also receive restaurant coupons valued at more than $10 to use toward future purchases.
“Supporting our nation’s military heroes is part of our heritage at Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s and a proud tradition that’s close to our hearts, our franchisees and our customers who donate year after year,” said Andy Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants. “Last year we raised more than $1.1 million to support the crucial work of USA Cares, Dream Foundation and regional charities across the country, and this year, we hope to top that in a big way. As we celebrate Memorial Day and honor the service of our brave men and women in uniform, we invite everyone to stop by their neighborhood Carl’s Jr. or Hardee’s location, show their patriotism and donate.”
“We are honored to continue our partnership with CKE as well as Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s franchisees for the annual Stars for Heroes campaign,” said Kisa Heyer, executive director of Dream Foundation and its Dreams for Veterans program. “Last year’s campaign helped Dream Foundation fund the final dreams of 114 deserving veterans. We are grateful for the generosity, dedication and compassion of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s crew members, customers and franchisees across the country, which enables us to continue to support veterans suffering from life-threatening illness.”
“Since 2011, our continued partnership with CKE Restaurants has become invaluable in providing services to active duty soldiers, veterans, Guard and Reserve members and their families,” said Peter Giusti, president of USA Cares. “We are humbled by the generosity and support we have received from Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. and its franchisees, employees and loyal customers over the years. Every dollar makes a difference and helps us continue to serve our nation’s heroes who’ve so selflessly served us.”
Since 2011, the Stars for Heroes program has supported more than 60 U.S. military charities nationwide. Stars for Heroes is made possible through generous contributions by CKE’s franchise community – The Independent Hardee’s Franchise Association (IHFA) and Star Franchise Association (SFA) – along with company employees and loyal customers. Private donations and in-kind support are provided by CKE partners and suppliers including KDM POP Solutions Group. To learn more about the Stars for Heroes national beneficiaries, visit their websites at www.dreamfoundation.org and www.usacares.org.