Fort Lauderdale, FL (Vocus) August 24, 2010

Jon Secada Charities and the Mission of Saint Francis are raffling off a $3 million waterfront estate in Ft. Lauderdale (http://www.jonsecadacharities.com), FL for $30. The home features 6 bedrooms, 6 ½ bathrooms, theater room with 120” screen, game room, office, large swimming pool, 4 car garage, 100 feet on the water, and much more. Information the raffle and the other amenities can be found at jonsecadacharities.com

Secada wants to help keep the Mission of Saint Francis and the charities they support open for those in need. The Mission is the oldest treatment and social services center in Florida, and all operations have been funded solely by private donations. According to Secada, “The Mission of Saint Francis is a wonderful organization that has been helping the community and individuals by providing support and assistance in a number of different ways”.

Jon Secada

The Mission of Saint Francis is a wonderful organization that has been helping the community and individuals by providing support and assistance in a number of different ways

This house raffle (http://www.jonsecadacharities.com) is fairly simple and straight forward. You can buy tickets online through Jon Secada’s website jonsecadacharities.com or by using the toll free number listed on the website. The drawing is set for October 10, 2010. Only 300,000 tickets will be sold for the $3 Million home (http://www.jonsecadacharities.com) and the tickets are just $30 each. There is also a $1.5 million cash substitute for those of you who would rather have the cash.

Jon Secada (born Juan Secada on October 4, 1962) is a Cuban-American singer and songwriter. Secada was born in Havana, Cuba, and raised in Hialeah, Florida. He has won two Grammy Awards and sold 20 million albums since his English-language debut album in 1992. His music fuses funk, soul, pop and Latin percussion. Secada also has worked as a songwriter for Gloria Estefan, Jennifer Lopez, Ricky Martin, Mandy Moore and other performers.

In the late 1980s, Gloria Estefan hired Secada as a background singer. He also started composing music for Estefan, including some of her best-known ballads. Among other songs, Secada co-wrote and sang background on Coming Out of the Dark Gloria’s number one hit from her 1991 album Into the Light. During Estefan’s Coming Out of the Dark tour, Secada was given the life-changing opportunity of taking over the stage and performing solo. The song was Always Something which would be featured later on his debut album. It launched his career as a solo performer.

Secada scored a No. 5 Pop hit (and a No. 5 UK hit) with his Gold single Just Another Day, and three more top 30 hits, Angel (No. 18 Pop, No. 23 UK), I’m Free (No. 27 Pop, No. 50 UK), Do You Believe in Us? (No. 13 Pop, No. 30 UK), and Do You Really Want Me (No. 30 UK) received national radio play. The Spanish-language version of Secada’s solo album, Otro Día Más Sin Verte (EMI-Latin), became the Number One Latin album of 1992 and earned Secada his first Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album.

For additional information visit www.jonsecadacharities.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ –Though NASCAR Sprint Cup racing teams may be known for their intense competition on the track, there is one thing they always come together for off the track – their support for our nation’s armed forces. This Memorial Day, two teams in particular are taking that support to another level. In partnership with the Armed Forces Foundation, Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) and Richard Childress Racing (RCR) have put together a series of weekend events to honor our troops and raise awareness about the difficulties service members and their families face in defense of our country.

Armed Forces Foundation

Several weeks ago at the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Motor Speedway, Aaron’s Inc. and MWR unveiled the Armed Forces Foundation/Aaron’s Dream Car to be driven by David Reutimann at the Coca Cola 600 in celebration of Memorial Day and in support of the Aaron’s “Text ‘AFF’ to 50555″ campaign. Aaron’s further upped the ante by pledging a series of donations contingent upon the results of the race. On race day Aaron’s will donate $10,000 to the Armed Forces Foundation in support of its programs. However, if Reutimann earns a top 5 finish, that donation will be doubled to $20,000. Should Reutimann win (as he did last year), Aaron’s will contribute $200,000. NASCAR has donated pit and garage passes for our foundation to bring a group of wounded service members from the Bethesda National Naval Medical Center to cheer on the AFF Cup car. Read More »

WASHINGTON, May 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Practicing what they preach – helping to make a real difference in veterans’ lives – members of The American Legion spent nearly one million hours volunteering at VA medical facilities in fiscal 2009.

The nation’s largest veterans group is also one of America’s largest volunteer organizations, its ranks populated by what VA Secretary Eric Shinseki recently described as “people who are regularly, habitually and deliberately kind.”

Shinseki highlighted the critical importance of volunteerism when he addressed graduates May 15 at the University of Maryland-University College. Last month, Adm. Mike Mullen told the Council on Foundations that community non-profit groups are the answer to meeting veterans’ needs, once they’ve left the federal system. Mullen is chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“Lately, Secretary Shinseki and Admiral Mullen have been placing an exclamation point on what we’ve been doing for a long time – volunteering to help out veterans and their families,” said Clarence Hill, national commander of The American Legion.

“Lobbying Congress on veterans issues is something we do extremely well, but The American Legion isn’t centered on Capitol Hill. We’re a huge grass-roots organization that does most of its good work at the local level.

“Everywhere you find a VA hospital or clinic, you’re bound to find an American Legion post, too – and Legionnaires from that post spend a lot of their time visiting disabled and wounded veterans,” Hill said.

About 6,300 members of The American Legion volunteered 916,598 hours of their time in FY 2009 to visit with veterans. Although that effort saved VA $18.5 million, Shinseki said that monetary value was only part of equation when it came to veterans reaching out to other veterans.

“There are some things they do that we can’t put a price on. What’s the price of a ‘thank you’? What’s the going rate for dignity and respect for a combat veteran? Such values cannot be calculated,” he said.

While The American Legion makes a strong contribution every year to VA’s Voluntary Service Program and Suicide Prevention Program, its outreach Read More »

Aaron’s, Inc. to Honor Armed Forces Foundation with Commemorative NASCAR Racecar at Charlotte

ATLANTA, April 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Aaron’s, Inc. (NYSE: AAN) announced today it will honor the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF) with a commemorative NASCAR racecar at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte during the upcoming race Memorial weekend, Sunday, May 30. The paint scheme will feature a patriotic red, white and blue design.

In addition to the custom paint scheme for the Michael Waltrip Racing No. 00 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota, driven by David Reutimann, Aaron’s will also donate a minimum of $10,000 to the AFF. However, if Reutimann finishes in the top five at Charlotte, Aaron’s will double the donation to $20,000. If Reutimann wins the race, Aaron’s will donate $200,000 to the AFF.

“As a longtime partner of the AFF, Aaron’s never fails to find new and exciting ways to show their support for the nation’s military,” said Patricia Driscoll, AFF President and Executive Director. “A NASCAR racecar adorned with the AFF logo will generate tremendous visibility for our program, delivering more impact in a single day than anything we have done in the past.”

Aaron’s COO, Ken Butler, said, “The work of the AFF is vitally important because it supports not only military soldiers, but also their families and the sacrifices they make every day. So to take this program a step further, Aaron’s has partnered with the AFF to raise additional funds through a texting campaign. We’re encouraging partners, customers and friends to text ‘AFF’ to 50555 and contribute $10 that will support our country’s military and their families.” The text campaign will run through the end of 2010.

The red, white and blue AFF racecar will be unveiled today before the Aaron’s 312 race at Talladega.

About Aaron’s, Inc.

Aaron’s, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), the nation’s leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential and office furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, has more than 1,700 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. Founded in 1955 by entrepreneur R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr. and headquartered in Atlanta, Aaron’s has been publicly traded since 1982. For more information, visit www.aaronsinc.com.

About Armed Forces Foundation

In 2001 the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF) was established as a 501(c)3 organization under the U.S. Department of Defense’s America Supports You program. AFF offers vital assistance to active-duty and retired personnel, National Guard, Reserve Components and military families as they cope with difficult circumstances. Through a multitude of programs the Armed Forces Foundation assists military families with utilities and rent; hotel and travel costs; holiday gifts for military children; and therapeutic recreational activities. The Armed Forces Foundation has been recognized by the President of the United States, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Education and the Department of Energy for its dedication to America’s Service Members. For more information on our Foundation or to aid us in our mission please visit us at our website www.armedforcesfoundation.org.

- Proceeds from exclusive apparel line to benefit wounded warriors -

- Major Leaguers contribute an additional $100,000 through the Players Trust -

NEW YORK, April 19 /PRNewswire/ — Major League baseball players are honoring the sacrifices made by our nation’s wounded warriors by launching an exclusive line of military-themed licensed products to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, it was jointly announced today by the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) and the Wounded Warrior Project. Major Leaguers are also contributing an additional $100,000 from the Major League Baseball Players Trust to the Wounded Warrior Project, to support their efforts in ensuring this generation of wounded warriors is the most successful and well-adjusted in our nation’s history.

The Major League Baseball Players Association, in association with its licensee Activa Global Sports & Entertainment, today unveiled this unique apparel line of men’s and women’s camouflage and army green T-shirts, baseball hats and army style hats featuring the names, numbers and facsimile signatures of 26 of the game’s top players. (See below for complete list of players.)

The merchandise is now on sale exclusively at approximately 1,500 Wal-Mart locations across the country.

A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of each item will be Read More »

Elevate America’s Veterans Initiative to provide technology skills, other resources to veterans and their spouses.

WASHINGTON, March 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Building on its Elevate America program to provide technology training to help prepare people for 21st-century jobs, Microsoft Corp. today announced an initiative to bring together a coalition of public, private and nonprofit organizations to give veterans and their spouses the skills and resources they need to be successful in today’s civilian work force.

Microsoft will contribute $2 million in cash and up to $6 million in software over the next two years to support programs for members of the armed services and their spouses who are separating from the military and reintegrating into their civilian communities and the work force. Through a competitive funding process, Microsoft will award cash, software and other resources to eligible organizations, including veterans service organizations, work force agencies, community colleges and other nonprofit organizations. The initiative will provide veterans and their spouses with the support they need to be successful in their transition to civilian careers, including technology skills training, job placement, career counseling and other support services such as childcare, transportation and housing. The initiative is intended to support active duty service members who are transitioning out of the military as well as members of the National Guard and Reserves who are returning to their civilian jobs.

The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the first organization to join the coalition and will work with Microsoft over the next two years on this initiative.

“In the coming years, a significant number of veterans will seek civilian employment opportunities. Microsoft’s new initiative provides veterans with the tools to successfully transition to new careers and contribute to economic growth in an especially tough economy,” said Paul Rieckhoff, founder and executive director of IAVA. “Microsoft has been Read More »

NEWTOWN, Pa., Dec. 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today pledged to donate $400,000 to the Washington Crossing Historical Park in Washington Crossing, Pa. The park, which has experienced recent state budget cuts, is visited by more than one hundred thousand tourists each year.

Lockheed Martin’s donation will fund the addition of a dedicated education wing at the park’s visitor center, which is scheduled for renovation in the latter part of 2010. The donation was announced by Marshall Byrd, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Newtown, Pa. Byrd also pledged, on behalf of the approximate 13,000 Lockheed Martin employees in the Delaware Valley area, a five-year commitment of volunteer in-kind support for the park’s maintenance and operations.

The announcement was made at the park’s annual Christmas Day reenactment of General George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River. In making the announcement, Byrd was joined by U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy, whose district encompasses both the park and Lockheed Martin’s Newtown facility.

“In looking for a way to support the important educational mission of Washington Crossing Historical Park, we sought Congressman Murphy’s advice and counsel,” Byrd said. “He put us in touch with Doug Miller (Site Administrator, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission), whose enthusiasm and encouragement became key factors in our decision to make this contribution.”

“Lockheed Martin also thanks Congressman Murphy for his tireless advocacy on behalf of this park and its new neighbor, Washington Crossing National Cemetery,” Byrd added. “He has helped lead our community’s efforts to recognize the sacrifices made by America’s military veterans. Those sacrifices are commemorated today and will be honored both here and at the cemetery for generations to come.” Read More »

NEW YORK, November 12, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Last night, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation’s first and largest nonpartisan, non-profit organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, hosted its Third Annual Heroes Gala at Gotham Hall in New York City. This inspiring event, timed to coincide with Veterans Day, brought together veterans of all generations, distinguished members of the veterans’ community and IAVA supporters. More than 350 guests attended the Gala and helped raise more than $450,000.

NBC Nightly News Anchor Brian Williams hosted this memorable evening. “I was thrilled to participate in the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Heroes Gala. The event was a moving tribute to the two million Americans who have served in the current conflicts and an inspiring gathering of veterans of all generations,” said Williams. “During my recent trip to Afghanistan, and every time I report from that war torn region, I am struck by the tremendous sacrifice our men and women in uniform make every day. It was a pleasure to be a part of such a meaningful recognition of their efforts.”

ESPN NFL Senior Analyst Chris Mortensen presented Iraq Veteran and Actor J.R. Martinez with the 2009 IAVA Veterans Leadership Award. Martinez served suffered severe injuries while serving in Iraq and has since become a spokesman for his fellow wounded veterans. He currently portrays a wounded combat veteran on ABC’s All My Children and serves as in inspiration to millions. Read More »

Note: Hi to Gunny and Jim
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ — Contractors are laying paving material this week that will transform the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial as part of the first phase of the restoration and preservation project for the Penn’s Landing landmark at Front and Spruce Streets.

The material, which will resemble granite pavers, is being poured throughout the week and replaces the bricks that have been in place since the Memorial was dedicated 21 years ago. Weather and wear had caused the bricks to become uneven and, in some cases, hazardous, noted Terry Williamson, president of the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, which oversees the site in conjunction with the Fairmount Park.

New flagpoles representing all of the Armed Services should be installed the following week behind the “all of Names” at the site. Other improvements include refurbishing the names on the wall, resurfacing and replacing damaged granite, installing a 24/7 security camera and moving the Purple Heart Monument to its own location on the north side of the Memorial

Work on the project started on August 1 and should be completed in late October. The $500,000 project is the first phase of the “Duty to Remember” initiative which will involve eventually opening up the Spruce Street side of the Memorial to provide direct access and a line of sight to the Wall of Names. The main purpose of that phase, however, will be to make it more difficult for vandals and others to desecrate the Memorial. The secluded nature of the Memorial makes it difficult for Police to view inside.

The Memorial fund is planning to raise another $400,000 to complete the second phase. To assist in that effort a grass roots fund-raising effort has been launched at the www.pvvm.org. Information is also available on 646 limited edition Memorial bricks removed from the original site.

Work on the project will be visible throughout the week. Contact Terry Williamson for more information.