Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q is proud to announce that plans for the North Carolina-based restaurant brand’s annual Freedom Week campaign have increased this year to last the entire month of July, dubbed Freedom Month. The event, held each summer around the July 4th holiday to recognize those who serve domestically and abroad in the U.S armed forces, will include four unique ways for fans to participate.
For 2011, the Freedom Month campaign includes four signature events: the second annual Freedom Run 5K, a week-long online fundraising event to benefit Operation Homefront, a Free Tea week, and a final week-long event during which a military family will win a Coming Home party prize pack for 20 people.
Week 1 – Freedom Run 5K – WakeForest
Join Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q will sponsor the Freedom Run 5K in downtown Wake Forest, N.C., on Saturday, July 2, at 8 a.m. Proceeds from the family-friendly 5K competitive/recreational run are going to the Fisher House, the Semper Fi Fund, and various other organizations that Wake Forest’s American Legion Auxiliary Unit 187 supports. Both the Fisher House and Semper Fi Fund are located at Camp Lejuene. Race details are available online at http://www.RunNC.com (under Race Schedule), or for more information, please contact Anne at 5kfreedomrun@gmail.com.
Week 2 – Photo Fundraiser Event – Online
Fundraising efforts for the 2011 Freedom Month campaign will focus on military families. In conjunction with Operation Homefront of North Carolina, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q will donate $1.00 for every picture of a loved one serving in the armed forces overseas posted on the SCNB Facebook page or on Twitter with the hashtag #GratefultoServe.
Week 3 – We Support Our Troops – 32 North Carolina Locations
Customers who visit one of the 32 North Carolina locations between July 18 and July 24 will receive a Support Our Troops decal with a peel-off coupon on the back for a free gallon of SCNB’s famous sweet tea.
Week 4 – Nominate a Military Family to Receive a 20-Person “Coming Home” Party Pack – Online
Visitors to http://www.SCNBNC.com are encouraged to submit a brief nomination or story about a military family they know with a family member deployed overseas. Each day, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q will share a few of the best submissions online (anonymously, if requested by the submitting party) and on July 31, one submission will be selected, at random, to receive a 20-person Coming Home party pack, which will include five pints of barbecue, 30 pieces of fried chicken, five pints of cole slaw, five pints of potato salad, 10 dozen hushpuppies, two gallons of tea, and place settings for 20 guests.
“Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q has a longstanding, rich history of being grateful to serve,” Marketing Director Richard Averitte says. “Especially when it comes to serving, supporting, recognizing, and appreciating the tireless work of the men and women who serve our country here and abroad. That recognition and appreciation extends to their families, as well – they are the frontline of support for members of our armed forces and we are grateful for the sacrifices they continue to make every day.”
