Glen Burnie, MD. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) On Tuesday, MISSION BBQ announced the donation of $282,376, which was made possible thanks to the generosity of customers and their support of the American Heroes Cups.

The donation will help to sponsor 18,000 wreaths to remember our fallen U.S. veterans during the 2018 holiday season.

“In serving, we give back. We try to do good. Through the wonderful and hard work of our teammates and the support of our customers, we are here today for the check presentation to Wreaths Across America,” co-founder Bill Kraus said.

Wreaths Across American is known for its annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Their mission is to remember our fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve and teach the next generation the value of freedom. In addition to the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at 1,500 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.

“Our mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and to teach our children the cost, the value and even what freedom is. This money will not only purchase a wreath but it puts it in the hands of a volunteer, where 1/3 of our volunteers are children,” said Karen Worcester, Executive Director, Wreaths Across America.

After the check presentation, Wayne Hanson, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Karen and Morrill Worcester presented MISSION BBQ with the Founders Award. This award was given for dedication in supporting our veterans, military and their families and for outstanding effort towards advancing the Wreaths Across America Mission.

“We wouldn’t have the freedoms we have today if it wasn’t for our nation’s veterans who stepped up for us time and time again,” said Kraus and Steve Newton, founders of MISSION BBQ. “We are humbled by the wonderful support of our customers and all the good that will be done for our so deserving American heroes in remembering their lives, their service and their sacrifices.”

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester 25 years ago.

For more information, to sponsor wreaths or to sign up to volunteer, please visit www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org.