MEDIA CONTACT
Kristen Wells
WISH for OUR HEROES
(317) 441-9353
krs@wish4ourheroes.org
WARSAW, IN – (SEPTEMBER 24, 2012) – NASCAR Nationwide team, ML Motorsports, and WISH for OUR HEROES, are pleased to announce the inaugural fundraiser “Red, White & YOU BBQ” featuring Collin Raye. The event will take place Sunday, October 7th, at Spike’s Beach Bar in Warsaw, Indiana, and will benefit Indiana-based, WISH for OUR HEROES, and the local military it serves.
In just three years, WISH for OUR HEROES has granted over $1,000,000 in assistance to over 1100 troops worldwide. Through the granting of wishes, WISH for OUR HEROES assists active-duty military struggling with burdens caused by deployment and the daily strains of military life. By providing 100% transparency to donors, and a unique focus on assisting military members not covered by other charities, WISH for OUR HEROES assists families by providing basic needs and building family cohesiveness surrounding deployments. The organization maintains less than 10% administrative costs to ensure donated funds are allocated directly to those in need.
ML Motorsports became actively involved with WISH for OUR HEROES in April 2012, after observing the organization’s dedication to the troops, and their donors, who are provided information on the military families their donations directly benefit.
“This is a wonderful organization. To realize what they have accomplished in such a short time is amazing. We were astonished when we learned they were all volunteers, and we thought it was our turn to step up and help them raise funds for the troops,” said Mary Louise Miller, team owner.
As a result, ML Motorsports will be hosting the October 7th event, with a special appearance from country music legend, Collin Raye. Raye, an avid supporter of WISH for OUR HEROES, has continuously volunteered with the organization and has assisted in granting several wishes at Ft. Campbell, Camp Lejeune, Ft. Bragg, and Walter Reed Bethesda.
“I have always admired the brave men and women who serve our country, and now have had the opportunity to work with WISH for OUR HEROES to grant several wishes. It’s a thrill to see the impact these wishes make in people’s lives, and I’m proud to do my small part,” said Raye.
In addition to Collin Raye, the event will include appearances from celebrities including NASCAR driver Johanna Long, actor/producer Drew Waters (Friday Night Lights) and wounded warrior and comedian master of ceremonies, Bobby Henline. The event will also feature the release of a new energy drink, Stand Strong™ by REM Beverages, Denver, Colorado. The drink was created as a fundraising vehicle for WISH for OUR HEROES and proceeds from the sale of the beverage will support their efforts. Stand Strong™ will officially launch at the Warsaw event.
“REM is honored to have the opportunity to create a private label energy drink product that supports the vision of WISH for OUR HEROES and delivers on their mission of aiding America’s military and their families,” said Robert Matuszewski of REM Beverages. “We are thrilled to participate in their fundraising goals.”
Proceeds from Red, White & YOU BBQ will directly benefit Indiana troops. To attend, contact Billy Hutchinson (bhutchinson@mlracing.com) before September 28, 2012. Spaces are limited. For additional information, visit www.wish4ourheroes.org or www.mlracing.com
About ML Motorsports
Driven by the idea of building a successful race team that would stick to its roots and operate out of Warsaw, Indiana, Mary Louise Miller founded ML Motorsports in 1998. During the first seven years of the team's existence, ML Motorsports competed in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, where they finished in the top 10 in points for five straight seasons. In 2005, ML Motorsports advanced to the then NASCAR Busch Series. With the endless commitment and support from Miller, along with the hard work and dedication from its team members, ML Motorsports quickly became contenders in NASCAR’s elite series. www.mlracing.com
About WISH for OUR HEROES
Incorporated in 2009, WISH for OUR HEROES is a national 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to “Helping Heroes Battle Hardships”, by granting wishes to active-duty military and their families. With locations in Indianapolis, San Antonio, and Phoenix, the organization’s mission is to be the largest source of aid to active-military families. www.wish4ourheroes.org
About REM Beverages, LLC
REM is a custom beverage solutions provider, set out to disrupt the beverage marketplace by providing professional athletes, artists and businesses with direct access to the formulations, manufacturing and fulfillment processes required to develop and bring to market their own proprietary line of beverage products. www.rembev.com/
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