CKE Restaurants Holdings, parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s reminds active duty military, veterans, and their families that they’re all “stars” with the launch of its sixth annual Stars for Heroes fundraising campaign. The program, which has raised more than $5 million since its inception in 2011, harnesses the compassion and generosity of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s customers, franchisees, and employees to support our nation’s heroes, including active-duty military, veterans, and their families. Funds raised during this year’s campaign, taking place at participating Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurant locations nationwide, will support national charity partners, Gary Sinise Foundation, Stand Up and Play Foundation, and USA Cares, as well as dozens of regional and local military-focused charities in the communities that Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s serve.

Through June 21, Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s customers can donate any dollar amount of their choosing in support of CKE’s military charity partners. For each donation, guests will receive a commemorative “I support military veterans and families” patriotic, star-shaped cutout to personalize and display in their local restaurant. They will also receive coupons valued at more than $10 to use toward future purchases.

“Assisting our nation’s military heroes is part of our legacy at Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, and is a proud tradition that’s near and dear to not only our hearts, but also to those of our franchisees and customers who donate each year,” says Andy Puzder, chief executive officer of CKE Restaurants. “Last year, we raised more than $1.4 million—up from $1.1 million in 2014—to support the crucial work of our partners and regional charities across the country. This year we hope to raise even more money and significantly top our prior years’ donations. As we celebrate Memorial Day, and honor the service of our brave men and women in uniform stationed across the globe, we invite everyone to stop by their neighborhood Carl’s Jr. or Hardee’s location to show their patriotism, and donate to support our partners.”

“We are so proud to be included in this special partnership with CKE Restaurants,” says Gary Sinise, founder of Gary Sinise Foundation. “The Gary Sinise Foundation works hard every day to serve and honor the needs of our veterans, active service members, first responders and their families, so we are grateful for the passionate support of CKE, their franchisees and customers in helping us to continue to spread our mission and outreach. I believe while we can never do enough for our nation’s defenders and their families, we can always try to do more. And through the contributions from Stars for Heroes, that is exactly what we are doing.” 

“The support of CKE Restaurants over the past few years has been an integral component of Stand Up and Play Foundation's ability to provide our programs,” says Elizabeth Armstrong, executive director for Stand Up and Play Foundation. “Contributions received through the Stars for Heroes campaign have enabled us to distribute paramobiles directly to wounded veterans and to make paramobiles available to veterans through adaptive sports programs throughout the U.S. The funds have also helped us conduct our own adaptive sports clinics and recreation programs. We are grateful for our partnership with CKE Restaurants and the support of their franchise owners, employees, and customers and the impact they have made in the lives of our veterans and, by extension, their families.”

"The partnership between USA Cares and CKE Restaurants has proven itself invaluable to providing immediate financial relief to the post-9/11 veterans and their families in crisis," says Hank Patton, executive director of USA Cares. "Their support has enabled us to assist over 4,000 families, alleviating the tremendous stress of no water, no power, and no hope. Without CKE Restaurants, its franchisees, employees, and loyal customers, this accomplishment would not have been possible."

Since 2011, the Stars for Heroes program has supported more than 68 U.S. military charities nationwide. Stars for Heroes is made possible through generous contributions by CKE’s franchise community—The Independent Hardee’s Franchise Association (IHFA) and Star Franchise Association (SFA)—along with company employees and loyal customers. CKE partners and suppliers also provide private donations and in-kind support.