SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Bass Pro Shops has set aside November and December to show its support for the brave men and women in uniform by hosting fundraising months for two military-related organizations. From Nov. 11, 2014, until the end of the year, Bass Pro Shops is providing a donation program for the United Service Organizations (USO) and AMVETS at its stores across the country. During these months, Bass Pro Shops will promote these organizations and provide fundraising opportunities for them.
“Bass Pro Shops has a long history of supporting our military, veterans and our families especially through their vast amount of outreach. It is truly amazing the direct impact we are accomplishing in partnering with them,” said Stewart Hickey, AMVETS national executive director. “All proceeds derived from our partnership are used in supporting programs including Warrior Transition Workshops and our National Career Centers. Both of these programs directly assist returning veterans in overcoming issues like high unemployment rates and PTSD, enabling them to return to productive civilian lives. The effort that Bass Pro puts into their patriotic initiatives is awe inspiring, and we graciously thank them for making a difference.”
During November and December, Bass Pro Shops stores throughout the U.S. will offer customers an opportunity to donate $1, $3 or $5 to AMVETS or the USO. In the last six years, Bass Pro Shops helped raise more than $1 million on behalf of these two organizations.
“For many of our troops serving far from home, it’s the small moments they miss most, like hearing the voice of a loved one, relaxing with a good book or enjoying a favorite snack,” said USO VP Corporate Alliances Christy Hartsell. “Customer donations at Bass Pro Shops will support our USO2GO program, which allows us to give the comforts of home to troops in remote areas. From toiletries to bean bags, the items in our USO2GO kits are one way we show gratitude for our troops and the sacrifices they make. We’re grateful to committed partners like Bass Pro Shops who help support our nation’s military community and show them genuine appreciation for their service.”
Bass Pro Shops has a history of honoring our men and women in uniform in a variety of ways. Every month, Bass Pro Shops hosts Military Discount Days, which start the 15th of every month and last one week. During that time, active duty and retired military can receive a 10 percent discount off regularly priced merchandise (some exclusions apply) by presenting a valid military identification card. In November, Bass Pro Shops celebrates Veterans Day by beginning Military Discount Days on Nov. 11. To find the closest Bass Pro Shops store, visit: http://www.basspro.com/stores.
Bass Pro Shops dedication to activity military and veterans starts right at the top with Johnny Morris, the company’s founder and CEO. For his contributions and support of the military, the National Infantry Foundation and the Chief of Infantry of the United States Army awarded Morris the prestigious Civil Level Order of Saint Maurice.
The USO, a private, nonprofit organization, lifts the spirits of troops and their families through highly valued programs, morale boosting services, engaging entertainment and more than 160 locations worldwide. It also provides critical support to those who need the organization most, including deployed troops, military families, wounded, ill and injured troops and their caregivers, and families of the fallen. More than 27,000 USO volunteers around the globe do everything possible to provide a home away from home for our troops and their families.
The mission of AMVETS, which is chartered by Congress, is to enhance and safeguard the entitlements for all American veterans who have served honorably. AMVETS also strives to improve the quality of life for them, their families, and the communities where they live through leadership, advocacy and services. The helping hand that AMVETS volunteers extend to veterans and their families takes many forms.
About Bass Pro Shops®
Bass Pro Shops®, which specializes in outdoor fun, operates 89 retail stores and Tracker Marine Centers across America and Canada that are visited by more than 116 million people every year. Bass Pro Shops’ stores, many of which feature restaurants, offer hunting, fishing, camping and other outdoor gear while their catalogs and website serve shoppers throughout the world. The company’s Tracker Marine Group® (http://www.trackermarine.com), which has produced the number one selling brand of fishing boats for more than 36 years, manufactures and sells a variety of boats for fishing and cruising. Family fun is on tap at Bass Pro Shops’ resort Big Cedar Lodge® (http://www.bigcedar.com), voted number six by Travel + Leisure Magazine as World’s Best Hotels for Families. For more information, visit www.basspro.com. To request a free catalog, call 1-800-BASS PRO. Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bassproshops.
About the USO
The USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases in the U.S. and abroad, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors and families of the fallen. The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Our programs and services are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff. For more information, visit http://www.uso.org/.
