CKE Restaurants Inc., parent company of Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr., announced the launch of its eighth annual Stars for Heroes program. The in-store fundraising initiative harnesses the compassion and generosity of its customers, franchisees and employees to rally behind the nation’s military veterans and families. Since its inception, the fundraiser has raised over $9 million for veteran-focused organizations including USA Cares and the Stand Up and Play Foundation, as well as regional charities in Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. restaurant communities.
The Stars for Heroes fundraising campaign begins in both Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. locations today and will run through June 18, 2019. To participate, restaurant guests are invited to donate $1 in support of military charities. For each $1 donation, guests receive a commemorative “I am supporting military veterans and families” patriotic star-shaped cut out to personalize and place on display in the restaurant. Guests who donate are given coupons valued at more than $10 for future visits.
“Stars for Heroes is one of the most important ways we connect with customers, employees and the local communities we serve,” says Ned Lyerly, CEO of CKE Restaurants. “It’s an honor for us to be able to thank those who selflessly fight for our country, and we are grateful for a team of franchisees and restaurant employees who work to bring our communities together through these efforts.”
“The Stars for Heroes program has helped USA Cares touch more lives and make a bigger impact than we ever imagined possible,” adds Hank Patton, president and CEO of USA Cares. “Thanks in large part to Stars for Heroes, we have helped hundreds of veterans and their families overcome some of life’s biggest challenges — from supplying basic needs, such as food, water, and electricity, to preventing evictions and home foreclosures. USA Cares exists to provide immediate assistance to the brave men and women of our Armed Forces, as well as their families, and this program makes that support possible. An incredible effort by folks who truly care!”
“Thanks to the efforts put forth through Stars for Heroes, the Stand Up and Play Foundation has given a newfound sense of purpose and way of experiencing life to so many of our wounded veterans,” says Anthony Netto, founder of the Stand Up and Play Foundation. “Our continued partnerships with Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. allow us to give back to those who served our country in a truly priceless way, and we’re eager to see what this year’s program holds.”
Driven by the efforts of CKE’s Star Franchise Association and Independent Hardee’s Franchise Association, Stars for Heroes raised over $9M across nearly 3,000 participating restaurants throughout the US since 2011, benefitting 84 local charities in various areas in addition to USA Cares and the Stand Up and Play Foundation. To make a donation online to one of our national partners online, visit the Stand Up and Play Foundation and USA Cares websites.
