Franchise Referral Company Believes in Giving Back to Those Who Serve
Eden Prairie, MN, /// 24-7PressRelease /// -- Hedy Margolis, Center Manager for the Rocky Mountain USO at Denver International Airport, has announced the acquisition of a new motorized cart to provide transportation for wounded soldiers returning to the U.S. via the Denver airport.
The vehicle was purchased from funds raised at one of the national conferences held by FranChoice as part of a teambuilding event to connect franchise consultants with representatives from over 60 national franchise concepts. FranChoice is the premier network of franchise referral consultants in the United States, providing free help to consumers looking for their ideal match in a franchise business.
"Our goal for this project was twofold," said Lori Kiser-Block, President of FranChoice. "We wanted to develop a teambuilding event that would build rapport among the conference attendees who come from all over the U.S. But we also wanted to do a bit more - to give back to those who have done so much for our country. Our event was held on September 10, 2007, the eve of the 6th anniversary of the attacks of September 11th, so it seemed appropriate to do something that would help the men and women in the military."
At the event, 250 franchise leaders gathered in Vail, Colorado to stuff 500 pre-filled Rocky Mountain USO care packages with additional materials such as disposable cameras, batteries, snacks, books, CDs, homemade cards of thanks and more. Twenty Apple iPods and iTunes cards were also donated to the USO. "It was an amazing event," said Kiser-Bock. "The conference attendees connected with the project on a personal level and the cards they created were both touching and meaningful."
Among the consultants and franchise personnel were over twenty veterans who shared memories of receiving care packages themselves while serving in the armed forces. Lt. Col. Chris Petty, recently returned from a 15-month tour of duty in Irag, spoke to the group during the closing of the event and said, "Soldiers feel the support from home in the form of letters and gifts." It creates a connection between the people they are fighting for, which is really positive."
Besides a donation from Franchoice, funds for the event were provided by a number of the participating franchise companies. In addition to the gifts to deploying soldiers, Kiser-Block was able to present Margolis with a check for almost $26,000 to be used by the USO to support the many services they provide to soldiers and their families.
Margolis was thrilled to be able to purchase a golf-car type vehicle from this donation, stating that it was a much-needed item. "Thanks for making the cart available to us. As you can see we really did get a big, good one, with a lot of bells and whistles!"
About FranChoice:
FranChoice is the premier network of franchise referral consultants in the United States. FranChoice consultants guide prospective franchisees through all stages of the business ownership process, from franchise investigation to the final sale, matching each individual's interests, talents and investment level with a strong franchise business.
About the USO:
The United Service Organizations is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the troops by providing morale, welfare and recreation-type services to our men and women in uniform. The USO currently operates more than 130 centers worldwide in the continental United States and overseas.
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