CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc., parent company to Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurant chains, kicked off its fourth annual Stars for Heroes fundraising campaign at participating restaurant locations. The program, which has raised more than $2.5 million since its inception, harnesses the compassion and generosity of its customers, franchisees, and employees to rally behind the nation’s military veterans and families. Funds raised during this year’s campaign will support national charity partners, Dream Foundation and USA Cares, as well as regional charities in Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s restaurant communities.
The Stars for Heroes fundraising campaign begins in-store today at Hardee’s and May 20 at Carl’s Jr. and will run for four weeks. To participate, restaurant guests 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. They also receive restaurant coupons valued at more than $10 to use toward future purchases.
“The Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s Stars for Heroes campaign allows people across the nation to give back to our American heroes. This is a very important cause to our customers, employees and franchisees and we invite everyone to stop by one of our participating restaurants, enjoy the taste of our great American-made, 100-percent Black Angus burgers or Made From Scratch Biscuits, and donate a dollar to salute our country’s military heroes,” says Andy Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants. “As Memorial Day weekend approaches, it’s a perfect way to honor these brave men and women by showing your support.”
“It’s an honor to work with CKE as well as Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s franchisees again this year,” says Kisa Heyer, executive director of Dream Foundation. “The financial support Dream Foundation received from last year’s campaign helped us fund the final wishes of 107 deserving veterans. We value the CKE partnership and the generosity, dedication and compassion of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s crew members across the country. Their fundraising enables us to continue to support veterans suffering from life-threatening illnesses.”
“This is our fourth year partnering with CKE Restaurants and their Stars for Heroes program,” says Peter Giusti, president of USA Cares. “The services we provide to active duty soldiers, veterans, Guard and Reserve members and their families would not be possible without the continued support we receive from Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. and we are grateful for their generosity over the years. We look forward to continuing to spread the word on the assistance programs that USA Cares provides through this fundraising initiative.”
