KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A check for $250,000 was presented to the VFW Foundation for the Unmet Needs program in front of nearly 20,000 fans during the second period of the NHL match-up between the Minnesota Wild and the Edmonton Oilers late last week, courtesy of Mid-America Franchise Association's (MAFA) Burger King restaurants.
This event marked the second consecutive year dedicated supporters have stepped forward to honor America’s men and women in uniform, raising $250,000 for the VFW Unmet Needs program. Last year, Burger King restaurants raised $110,000 for the program during its “buy a burger; donate a buck” initiative.
The check was presented by Mike DeRosa, Burger King Franchisee and Leslie Bryant, Marketing Manager. Accepting the check on behalf of VFW were Dan Shea, Director of the VFW Foundation and John McNeill, VFW Assistant Adjutant General of Operations.
“Their gift to Unmet Needs will provide a tremendous boost to the VFW’s effort to assist military families who are confronted with emergent financial needs. This is quite an expression of gratitude to all the brave men and women of our armed forces for their sacrifice and dedication. Our thanks goes out to everyone who played a part in helping the VFW help others,” stated Glen Gardner, VFW Commander-in-Chief.
Participating states included:
•North Dakota •Nebraska •Minnesota
•South Dakota •Michigan •Indiana
•Wisconsin •Iowa • Kansas •Missouri
Hear the interview with Mike DeRosa on VFW's The National Defense!
The VFW Unmet Needs program provides emergency financial assistance to U.S. military service members experiencing financial hardships, often brought on by deployment. Funds from donations are available to the five branches of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard), as well as members of the Reserves and National Guard. Funds awarded by the program are offered in the form of grants--not loans--so recipients don’t need to repay them.