Between Monday December 17th and Friday the 21st, we will be making the rounds and would love any support your company can give by encouraging your employees to donate NEW and UNWRAPPED toys. Please let us know if we can count on you and we will add you to our list of stops!  Let’s show our community how much we care by stuffing Santa’s “sLeIghMO” full of toys.

Contact Kelley Schirmer today at Kelley@hmsworldwide.com or by phone at 704-892-9808 ext. 103 to schedule the day and time for us to come by and pick up your donations between Dec 17-21st.

This year’s chosen beneficiary is Levine Children’s Hospital.

Sweet Baby Ray’s hits the road this fall for an eight-week tour to some of the nation’s best college football games and even better pre-game tailgating! Come visit the Sweet Baby Ray’s tour bus for fun, prizes, and of course, free Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce.

2012 Schedule

10/6- Georgia @ South Carolina

10/13- Florida @ Vanderbilt

10/20- Alabama @ Tennessee

10/27- Georgia vs. Florida in Jacksonville (“World’s Largest Cocktail Party”)

11/3- Texas A&M @ Mississippi State

11/10- Vanderbilt @ Ole Miss

11/17- TX Tech @ Oklahoma St

11/23- LSU @ Arkansas

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.436390063066499.100291.176387272400114&type=1

Friday, August 17
Winning ticket #:  A-55248
Prize Amount:  $1,198

Saturday, August 18
Winning ticket #:  B-16791
Prize Amount:  $2,300
* Prize claimed 8/19/12 onsite at MIS.  Congratulations!

Sunday, August 19
Winning ticket #:  C-38396
Prize Amount:  $4,625
*Prize claimed 8/23/12 by Doug W.  Congratulations!

To claim your prize
1.  Call 704-892-9808 x 101 and/or
2.  Email amy@hmsworldwide.com
3.  Provide winning ticket # and Reference ID # on ticket

BROOKLYN, MICH.  (August 10, 2012) – As America’s oldest and largest major combat veterans’ organization, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to announce their line-up of military support programs and activities for the VFW 200 NASCAR race weekend at Michigan International Speedway (MIS), August 16-19.

This year marks the fourth year of the MIS-VFW partnership, including three years as the title sponsor of the VFW 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race.  The sponsorship at MIS allows the VFW a national platform to recognize and salute veterans as well as raise awareness about the urgent needs of U.S. military personnel and their families.

“It’s a pleasure to have the opportunity to once again partner with MIS in this most important event,” said VFW National Commander John E. Hamilton.  “Not only is the intent of the event to bolster the morale of our troops, but at a time when demand to meet the urgent needs of U.S. military service personnel and their families becomes more difficult, it allows us to get the word out about our various programs and services.   These include free communication options for troops overseas so they can call home on a regular basis and financial assistance to their families for rent, mortgage, utilities, vehicle repair, food and medicine.”

“We are happy with our partnership with the VFW and are excited to help them salute the veterans on a national platform,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “We thank all the men and women who have served in the military and it is great to be associated with an organization that carries the same commitment. The VFW 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race will be a great event and we cannot wait to welcome all the military and their families.”

In addition to the VFW 200 race, the VFW and the VFW Foundation have several programs and activities planned at MIS to raise awareness and funds to meet the needs of America’s active and retired military, their families and communities:

Salute to Military Families:  The VFW, along with supporting sponsor NSK Corporation, will honor over 400 local military guests at the Salute to Military Families hospitality event on Sunday, August 19, for the Pure Michigan 400.  Guests will enjoy complimentary pre-race hospitality, goody bags, event t-shirts, pit tours, celebrity appearances, special access to pre-race ceremonies compliments of MIS and grandstand tickets for the Pure Michigan 400.

Today’s military salaries often don’t afford U.S. service members the luxury of attending sporting events or entertainment activities.  The Salute to Military Families program was designed to provide unique, VIP experiences at these venues to recognize veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.  Since 2009, the VFW and the VFW Foundation has hosted over 1300 local military guests to this special race event at MIS.

Hometown Hero:  Specialist John Rendak, U.S. Army National Guard, and his wife Gina of Grand Rapids, Michigan, will attend the race weekend as special guests of the VFW.  As the Hometown Hero, Specialist Rendak and his wife will receive exclusive VIP access, including weekend RV accommodations at MIS; admissions to the VFW pit road suite and Salute to Military Families. In addition they will receive garage passes; pace car rides; introductions at the VFW 200 drivers’ meeting and pre-race ceremonies passes. After the race they will have access to the VFW 200 victory lane celebration, including a photograph with the race winner.

Specialist Rendak served in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant from 1981 to 1987 with service in Germany and Honduras.  Since 2009, Specialist Rendak has served the U.S. Army National Guard and has served tours in Iraq and Kuwait.

Military Ticket Discount presented by VFW:  Active or retired U.S. Military personnel and/or VFW members receive great ticket discounts to all MIS races in August. Sunday tickets start at just $17.50, and discounts are available for Friday and Saturday events. Tickets can be purchased at www.mispeedway.com/military.  Offer expires August 13, 2012.

50/50 Charity Raffle benefiting the VFW Foundation:  The VFW Foundation will benefit from an exciting new program at MIS, giving fans the chance to win a daily cash prize with proceeds split between the winning ticketholder and the VFW Foundation.  Raffle tickets will be sold Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the New Holland Fan Plaza and inside the ticket gates.  Winning ticket numbers will be announced at MIS each day and will be posted online following the event.

Funds raised will support the military assistance programs of the VFW, including:

Unmet Needs, which has provided more than $4.3 million in direct financial assistance to over 3,100 military families for rent, mortgage, utilities, vehicle repair, medical expenses and basic food expenses;

Operation Uplink, which has provided over 6.6 million free connections home for deployed troops and hospitalized veterans since 2006; and

Military Assistance Program, which provides troops and their families critical support before, during and after deployment and has hosted nearly 2 million military families at events worldwide since 2007.

Race Program Fundraiser:  Michigan International Speedway and Americrown have partnered to donate a dollar from every program sold to the VFW. Americrown sells the official race weekend program at 33 different locations at MIS.

Honoring Our History Traveling Gallery:  The VFW has partnered with Waddell & Reed to bring the Honoring Our History Tour to the New Holland Fan Plaza at MIS, August 17-19.  The custom 18-wheel “big rig” truck has been transformed into a traveling World War I gallery.  The unique exhibit offers a free, interactive and educational experience designed by the National World War I Museum – the first and only American museum solely dedicated to preserving the artifacts, history and personal experiences of World War I.

The travelling gallery features 66 World War I artifacts, such as weapons, uniforms, posters and flags and was developed by Waddell & Reed to celebrate the company’s 75^th anniversary.  The company’s founders, Chauncy Waddell and Cameron Reed, were both veterans of World War I.  The exhibit includes Waddell’s flight gear, his flight suit and log book.

The exhibit’s mission is to raise awareness and funding for museums and cultural institutions across the country.  By traveling to 75 cities in nearly every state, Waddell & Reed hopes to raise $500,000 in total donations over the course of the year.  Funds raised at MIS will be split between the National World War I Museum and the VFW Foundation.  For more information, please visit www.honoringourhistory.com.

National Anthem Performance by VFW National Home for Children Chorus:  Members of the VFW National Home for Children Chorus will perform the National Anthem during pre-race ceremony for the VFW 200 Camping World Truck Series race.  They will also receive complimentary tickets to enjoy the VFW 200 race at MIS.

The VFW National Home for Children, located in Eaton Rapids, Mich., serves as a living memorial to America’s veterans by helping our nation’s veterans and military families.  For more information, visit www.vfwnationalhome.org.

Goodyear Gives Back Care Package Event:  The VFW and Goodyear have teamed up to host a care package event at MIS on Thursday, August 16.  Care packages will be assembled by local volunteers, including VFW members, at MIS and shipped to troops stationed overseas with a special focus on Michigan-based units. The event is part of the annual Goodyear Gives Back program benefitting deployed U.S. Armed Forces and their families directly and through programs operated by Support Our Troops. Consumers and race fans can learn more by visiting www.Goodyear.com/GivesBack.

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 About the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW): The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is a nonprofit veterans’ service organization composed of combat veterans and those currently serving in uniform.  Founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936, the VFW is the nation’s largest organization of war veterans and its oldest major veterans’ organization.  With nearly 2 million members located in almost 7,600 VFW Posts worldwide, the VFW and its Auxiliaries dedicate their efforts through veterans’ service, community service, legislative advocacy and national military service programs.  For more information or to join, visit our website at www.vfw.org.

About the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Foundation: The VFW Foundation is the official charity of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), America’s oldest and largest service group for combat veterans. The mission of the VFW Foundation is to support programs that secure, manage and distribute resources to improve the lives of veterans, military service personnel, their families and communities. These programs and services are provided at no cost to the recipients. The VFW Foundation is one of the nation’s highest rated 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. For more information, please visit www.vfwfoundation.org.

About Michigan International Speedway:

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

http://www.flickr.com//photos/hms_worldwide/sets/72157630043677837/show/

BROOKLYN, MICH.  (February 24, 2012) – The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) and Michigan International Speedway (MIS) are proud to announce the continuation of the VFW 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at MIS on Saturday, August 18.

The 2012 season marks the VFW’s fourth year as a partner at MIS, including three years as the title sponsor of the VFW 200.

Founded in 1899, the VFW is America’s largest major combat veterans’ organization.  The VFW offers several assistance programs to lessen the burden on active-duty military, veterans and their families; offers counsel and assistance to military veterans to navigate VA entitlement and disability claims; and actively lobbies Congress and the administration on issues that impact the lives’ of our nation’s veterans.

The title sponsorship of the race at MIS allows the VFW a national platform to recognize and salute veterans and their families around the country.

‘It’s a pleasure to have the opportunity to once again partner with MIS in this most important event,” said VFW National Commander Richard DeNoyer.  “Not only is the intent of the event to bolster the morale of our troops, but at a time when demand to meet the urgent needs of U.S. military service personnel and their families becomes more difficult, it allows us to get the word out about our various programs and services.   These include free communication options for troops overseas so they can call home on a regular basis and financial assistance to their families for rent, mortgage, utilities, vehicle repair, food and medicine.”

“We’re pleased to continue our partnership with the Veterans of Foreign Wars,” Michigan International Speedway President Roger Curtis said. “No has done more for veterans and their families than the VFW, and many veterans are NASCAR fans. So this is a perfect partnership because we work together to bring exposure to the needs of some of our best Americans through the power of NASCAR.”

In addition to the VFW 200 race, the VFW will honor local military families though the “Salute to Military Families” hospitality event on Sunday, August 19, for the Pure Michigan 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.  Guests will enjoy complimentary pre-race hospitality, pit tours, special access to drivers and pre-race ceremonies and grandstand tickets to the Pure Michigan 400.

The VFW has hosted the “Salute to Military Families” program at MIS since 2009, designed to bring awareness to the unique problems and needs of troops and their families.  Through its “Unmet Needs” initiative, the VFW has provided more than $4.3 million in direct financial assistance to military families for rent, mortgage, utilities, vehicle repair, medical expenses and basic food assistance.

Other VFW programs include “Operation Uplink’s Free Call Days,” which facilitated approximately 1.5 million free long-distance calls overseas for troops in 2011; morale boosting “welcome home” and “sendoff” events for military units; and direct, free assistance to veterans obtaining VA entitlements from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

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About the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW): The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is a nonprofit veterans’ service organization composed of combat veterans and those currently serving in uniform.  Founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936, the VFW is the nation’s largest organization of war veterans and its oldest major veterans’ organization.  With nearly 2 million members located in almost 7,600 VFW Posts worldwide, the VFW and its Auxiliaries dedicate their efforts through veterans’ service, community service, legislative advocacy and national military service programs.  For more information or to join, visit our website at www.vfw.org.

About Michigan International Speedway: Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

DARLINGTON, S.C. (February 15, 2012) – Longtime partners, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) and Sport Clips Haircuts, proudly announce the VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series event at Darlington Raceway on Friday, May 11, 2012.

The VFW and Sport Clips will use their NASCAR partnership to raise awareness about the struggles many military families are facing and the VFW’s mission to support active-duty military, veterans and their families.

Founded in 1899, the VFW is America’s largest major combat veterans’ organization.  The VFW offers several assistance programs to lessen the burden on active-duty military, veterans and their families; offers counsel and assistance to military veterans to navigate VA entitlement and disability claims; and actively lobbies Congress and the administration on issues that impact the lives of our nation’s veterans.

“We’re tremendously pleased to have such a wonderful opportunity to help inform and educate other concerned citizens about the needs of those who deserve it most,” said VFW National Commander Richard DeNoyer. “As an organization of combat veterans, VFW deeply appreciates Sport Clips’ continuing efforts and their assistance in helping to raise public awareness as it relates to the needs of those who serve our country.”

The Darlington event marks the VFW’s second race entitlement, expanding on their sponsorship of the VFW 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Michigan International Speedway.

As the “Official Haircutter” of the VFW, Sport Clips has donated more than $1.3 million since 2007 through its annual “Help a Hero” campaign.  Since their first contribution of more than $80,000 was made in 2007, Sport Clips’ donations have increased annually – its most recent donation of $450,000 was presented to the VFW on January 31, 2012. To raise funds, Sport Clips locations nationwide collect donations at check-out during October and November and donate $1 from every hair care service on Veterans Day, November 11 – what the company calls “The Biggest Haircut Day of the Year.” To learn more about Help A Hero and to donate, click here.

“As a veteran of the Air Force, I understand first-hand the importance of having a support system while serving abroad and at home,” said Sport Clips CEO and Founder Gordon Logan. “Sport Clips is proud to join forces with the VFW to honor our nation’s heroes and increase knowledge of their important mission through the VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 Nationwide race in Darlington.”

Sport Clips is also a partner of Joe Gibbs Racing and will sponsor a total of eight races during the 2012 NASCAR season, including both the Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series races at Darlington with Denny Hamlin, and six additional Nationwide Series races.  The VFW will receive special on-car recognition during those eight Sport Clips races.

The VFW and Sport Clips partnership also includes the “Help a Hero” hospitality program that will provide unique at-track experiences to deserving military families at the eight events where Sport Clips and the VFW will be onboard the Joe Gibbs Racing entries.  Those races include Texas Motor Speedway (April 13); Darlington Raceway (May 11-12); Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 26); Daytona International Speedway (July 6); Indianapolis Motor Speedway (July 28); Richmond International Raceway (September 7); and Dover International Speedway (September 29).

With many surrounding bases in South Carolina, Darlington Raceway has been a proud supporter of the military since its doors opened in 1950. Many military personnel and their families attend racing events each May at Darlington and the track recognizes the importance of assisting the men and women of the United States armed forces that have fought and dedicated their lives to protecting our country and its freedoms.

“Having the VFW and Sport Clips partner together to sponsor our Nationwide Series race shows you the commitment both groups are making to honor and help our military personnel who have protected our country here and abroad,” Darlington Raceway President Chris Browning said. “We are proud of the fact that the VFW and Sport Clips view Darlington Raceway as an opportunity and platform to raise awareness for our military heroes. Many military veterans and their families, as well as our troops who are currently fighting overseas, have given their lives to protect the freedoms of this country and we will make sure they are recognized during the race weekend here in May!”

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 About the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW):  The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is a nonprofit veterans’ service organization composed of combat veterans and those currently serving in uniform.  Founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936, the VFW is the nation’s largest organization of war veterans and its oldest major veterans’ organization.  With nearly 2 million members located in almost 7,600 VFW Posts worldwide, the VFW and its Auxiliaries dedicate their efforts through veterans’ service, community service, legislative advocacy and national military service programs.  For more information or to join, visit our website at www.vfw.org.

About Sport Clips Haircuts:  Sport Clips Haircuts, with more than 850 locations nationwide, is headquartered in Georgetown, Texas and was established in 1995 by founder and CEO Gordon Logan. The franchise ranks in Entrepreneur Magazine’s top 20 “fastest growing franchises” and in the top 100 in the “Franchise 500”, in the top 10 in Forbes’ “Top 20 Franchises To Start”, and in the top 50 in Dun & Bradstreet’s AllBusiness.com “2012 AllBusiness AllStars”. Sport Clips is the “Official Haircutter” of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and offers veterans preferential pricing on haircuts and franchises. Our “Help a Hero” program has donated more than a million dollars to help soldiers overseas and in hospitals call home through the VFW’s Operation Uplink. Sport Clips is a proud sponsor of Joe Gibbs Racing’s NASCAR drivers, Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin, and holds partnerships with several NCAA programs, and teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), and National Hockey League (NHL). To learn about franchise opportunities click here, and for locations throughout the United States, visit SportClips.com.  For media resources and additional information on Sport Clips, visit SportClipsMedia.com.

About Darlington Raceway: Darlington Raceway, or the track Too Tough To Tame as it is known to many, is where the purest of NASCAR competition meets true southern hospitality. A NASCAR staple since 1950, Darlington Raceway has seen some of motorsports most talented drivers thunder to Gatorade Victory Lane. On Mother’s Day weekend, May 11-12, 2012, NASCAR’s biggest stars return to battle the track Too Tough To Tame in the Sprint Cup Series Southern 500® and Nationwide Series VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200. You can keep up with all of the latest news from Darlington Raceway and purchase tickets at DarlingtonRaceway.com. Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/DarlingtonRaceway or follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/TooToughToTame.

Fans will receive one grandstand seat for the VFW 200 Camping World Truck Series race, admission to a private pre-race hospitality tent and a guided pit tour for $65 per person. Ten dollars of the ticket package price will go to the VFW Foundation and its Return the Favor charitable initiative. Click on the link above for more information and to reserve your tickets today!

June 17, 2011 (Brooklyn, MI) – In honor of those who serve our country during this Father’s Day weekend, Heluva Good!®, the title sponsor of the “Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race, will present the VFW Foundation with a $10,000 donation during Sunday’s pre-race ceremonies in support of the Salute to Military Fathers Program.

Salute to Military Fathers is an extension of the VFW Foundation’s Return the Favor campaign, an awareness and fundraising campaign to honor, celebrate and support active-duty military members, veterans and their families. More than 300 military guests will be in attendance at Sunday’s race thanks to this program.

The check will presented by Miss Sprint Cup Monica Palumbo, and Scott Blake, Sr. Vice President of Operations for Heluva Good!, to VFW Foundation’s Dustin Kuhn, Manager of Corporate Relations, and David Prohaska, Deputy Director, prior to the start of the “Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400.”

“Heluva Good! is proud to support military fathers and their families through the Salute to Military Fathers program,” said Scott Blake, Sr. Vice President of Operations, Heluva Good!. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to honor those who serve our country during this Father’s Day weekend, and we’re looking forward to a Heluva Good! race.”

Heluva Good!, based is Sodus, NY, is returning for the second year as the title sponsor for the June NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway. As the “Official Dip of Michigan International Speedway,” Heluva Good! distributed samples of its new Limited Edition Buffalo Wing Dip to fans throughout race weekend in the Fan Zone.

For more information about the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 and the Salute to Military Fathers program, visit www.HeluvaGood.com or www.ReturntheFavor.org.

About Heluva Good!
Heluva Good!® brand real sour cream dips, cheeses and condiments have held a reputation for quality and taste for more than 75 years. The Heluva Good! name has been as much a promise as a brand name and dates back to 1925, when Perry Messinger, Heluva Good!’s founder, began making wedges of homemade washed curd cheese in a basement in Sodus, NY. Messinger sold a little, but mostly did it as a hobby. Then one day a traveling salesman stopped in and sampled a wedge. Upon tasting it, he declared, “That’s a hell of a good cheese.” At that moment, Messinger knew he had something very special. Today, Heluva Good! is part of the HP Hood LLC family of brands. You can now find Heluva Good! products in dairy cases throughout the Eastern, Midwest and Southern United States and all of Canada. For more information, visit www.HeluvaGood.com.