Van Nuys, CA - December 21, 2009 - With the classic roar of freedom catching their attention, more than 1200 Operation Gratitude volunteers witnessed the presentation of the organization's historic 500,000th care package, as a custom motorcycle drove onto the Armory Drill floor carrying the keys to TWO Harley Davidson Sportsters. The keys, along with several other unique gifts, were added to Operation Gratitude care packages, to be delivered to two U.S. Service Members serving in the harshest combat zones overseas.
Co-founders Carolyn Blashek and SSG Elizabeth Cowie, who started the organization in 2003, thanked AVTT and Sands Resorts for their generous donation of the Sportsters, and recognized the tens of thousands of volunteers, donors and supporters who have contributed throughout the years to the assembly and shipment of half a million care packages.
"AVTT's mission is to honor, respect and remember those who served and thus those who are serving," said Don Allen, founder of AVTT, donor of one of the Bikes. "The occasion of Operation Gratitude's 500,000th Care Package is a perfect opportunity to ensure that our message of support and gratitude is seen and heard by our Military around the world."
Lee Rawcliffe, President and CEO of Sands Resorts, and donor of the second Sportster noted: "This exciting 500,000th package event represents a celebration of all the brave Americans who wear the uniform of our great nation. We are honored to put 2 very special packages in the hands of two different service members who represent our courageous heroes-- past, present and future--from all branches of the Military."
Blashek and Cowie informed the energetic crowd that the 500,000th package represented: ~ 4 Million pounds of product ~ $5.5 Million of postage ~ 25 Million individual items ~ $50 Million worth of product sent to the troops through Operation Gratitude since its inception in 2003.
Operation Gratitude, Van Nuys CA, Oct 14-18, 2009
