Press

Wrap for a Cause Launches Operation Valiant Veterans

Hartford Courant
Jan. 11, 2018
By Community Contributor Alisa Picerno
Link to Article: http://www.courant.com/community/fairfield/hc-ugc-article-wrap-for-a-cause-launches-operation-valiant-v-2018-01-14-story.html

Laura Saggese, co-founder of Wrap for a Cause, a mobile marketing organization for non-profit organizations and charities, is launching Operation Valiant Veterans to raise scholarship, educational and health resources benefiting veterans in the NY metro-area colleges and universities one mile at a time. Working with the national nonprofit organization,VETSports, Country Bank and Iona College, the latest program of Wrap for A Cause aims to fight for the future health and safety of our men and women in uniform as they transition into civilian life.

“Since I was a young girl, my father has taught me to respect and appreciate our military service men and women. They and their families give so much to us; we can honor their sacrifices by providing them with opportunities to secure their futures,” said Saggese.

“Iona College is honored to partner with Wrap for a Cause: Operation Valiant Veterans and VETSports University,” said Paul J. Sutera, Iona College Senior Vice President for Advancement & External Affairs. “Our veterans have given so much with their service to our country, and we, at Iona, appreciate their dedication and sacrifice, and are proud to be able to give back.

Though the Post-9/11 GI Bill and other scholarships go a long way in providing veterans with the ability to attend college, as non-traditional students, many require support in transitioning from military to civilian life. This support may take the form of a Veterans’ Academic Support Group or connection with other organizations.

Founded in 2012 by three combat veterans, VETSports aims to set the standard for how to improve veterans’ physical, mental and emotional health through sports, physical activity, and community involvement. VETSports provides thousands of veterans with continuous opportunities to reintegrate into their communities through sports, community service events and partnership.

Country Bank, the first corporate sponsor to support Wrap for a Cause in the 2017 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Campaign, is eager to again assist the non-profit in its new program for service men and women.

“We are a community-oriented bank, first and foremost. When Laura approached us a second time to sponsor a van that will give back to our veterans, we felt honored. We employ veterans and value the commitment that these men and women have made to our communities. Underwriting a campaign specifically to raise awareness for VETSports is just one small way that we can say thank you,” said Carolyn Murphy, CMO of Country Bank.

Saggese notes that although Wrap for A Cause’s Operation Valiant Veterans campaign officially launched on November 11th, people will see its patriotic vans well into the new year. Ten percent of Wrap for a Cause net proceeds from this partnership will be directed to VETSports.

“I firmly believe that we need to remember our veterans all year round, and not just a few times a year,”said Saggese.

If you would like sponsor an Operation Valiant Veterans campaign van or make a donation, please go to www.wrapforacause.org.

The mission of not-for-profit Wrap for a Cause is to help local and national nonprofit organizations raise awareness and funds through a memorable, mobile marketing campaign that vibrant vehicle wraps. To learn more about becoming a corporate sponsor, fleet vehicle participant or charity beneficiary call 1-888-392-9729.

Link to Article: http://www.courant.com/community/fairfield/hc-ugc-article-wrap-for-a-cause-launches-operation-valiant-v-2018-01-14-story.html