Registration is open for the 5th Annual Faces of Valor USA Family Picnic on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds in Crownsville, MD. This year’s fundraiser features four events: Motorcycle Ride, Classic Car Show, the picnic itself, and, new this year, a 5K Fun Run/Walk. The entire community is invited to participate in the fundraiser, which raises much needed funds for families of local heroes seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. For more information, to register for the events, to donate, or to become a sponsor, visit www.FacesOfValorUSA.org.
This year’s awardee is Retired Army Staff Sgt. Michael Cain, who was seriously wounded in Iraq in 2003 when his vehicle ran over and detonated a land mine. He lost his right leg and his left leg was severely damaged in the explosion. He has had more than 70 surgeries over the past 10 years, with the most recent procedure happening this past month in a final effort to save his left leg. Proceeds from this year’s Faces of Valor Family Picnic will help fund the purchase and special adaptation of a truck for Sgt. Cain. “I want people to know that nothing in life is impossible to overcome. Thank you so much to Faces of Valor USA. I love my country and, even more, I love the people that call America their home”, said Sgt. Cain.
More than 500 people from across the region are expected to attend the “four events in one day” to show their support and thanks for Sgt. Cain’s service. Sgt. Cain and his family will be in attendance at The Family Picnic, as well as wounded servicemen from Walter Reed Hospital, and local police and firefighters. “It’s an amazing day—what an experience to see so many people coming out to support our heroes and to thank them for their sacrifices,” said last year’s attendee, Joel Sachs.
The day will kick-off with The Motorcycle Ride and Fun Run/Walk.
- Registration for the Motorcycle Ride will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Outback Steakhouse on Forest Drive. Hundreds of riders will leave Outback Steakhouse on Forest Drive at 10:30 a.m., drive through cheering crowds on Main Street in downtown Annapolis, over the Severn River Bridge, and descend upon the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds to join servicemen, runners, families, friends, and neighbors for the Faces of Valor USA Family Picnic. While you need a motorcycle for the ride, anyone can attend the picnic, including children and teens.
- The 5K Run/Walk will take place at the Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds. Registration and sign-in begins at 9:30 a.m., and the Run/Walk begins at 10:30 a.m. around the fairgrounds. The 5K is a “fun” run/walk for all ages; however, it will also feature chip timing for the competitively-spirited.
The Family Picnic runs from noon until 2:00 p.m. and is a celebration of patriotism, service, and the American spirit. It is an opportunity for everyone in the community to come together, honor, and personally thank the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to protect American rights and freedoms. The picnic is held both indoors and outdoors at the Fairgrounds and includes games and activities for children, and slot cars for teen-agers. Lunch will be prepared by Martin’s Caterers with food donated by Belair Produce, Ever Fresh, H&S Bakery, Instant Whip, Pepsi, Saval Foods, Stanley Foods, and Wagner Foods.
The Classic Car Show is also held at the Fairgrounds and is a main attraction at the picnic. At the end of the picnic, cars are judged and awards are given for a variety of categories. Car owners, passengers, and their families are welcome to attend the picnic.
Although registration for all events will be available on the 15th, participants are strongly encouraged to register in advance at www.FacesOfValorUSA.org to help avoid lines and delays.
The event also features, for the first time, a fundraising challenge for event participants. Those who raise the most money for Faces of Valor will be eligible to win prizes. For more information on the challenge, visit www.FacesOfValorUSA.org/FundraisingChallenge.
“Those who are military, police, or firefighters serve us every day; they keep us safe, protected, and free, and often pay the ultimate price for their service. Everyone, young and old, in all walks of life, can show their support and appreciation to our heroes and their families through the Faces Of Valor USA Family Picnic,” said Ted Levitt, founder of Faces of Valor USA.
100% of the registration fees and contributions from this year’s event go directly to the mission of Faces of Valor USA: to provide scholarships and financial assistance to the families of military, firefighters, police, and EMS who are injured or killed in the performance of their duties. Faces of Valor USA is committed to raising $100,000 through this year’s event.
More than 30 local companies are already signed-on sponsors of this year’s fundraiser, including: Martin’s Caterers, Brown Contracting, Bausum & Duckett Electric, Metropolitan Management, S&S Auto Performance, E Landscape Specialty Solutions, Associated Jewish Charities, Carousel Custom Floors, Barlow Concrete Construction, AMI, ACC, Chesapeake Mill Products, West Woods Apartments, R.E. Robertson Heating and Air , Ruhf + Plitt Architects, Eyes on Main, Eastern Performance Cycles, ARINC, Outback Steakhouse, Olmo Brothers Landscaping, Harley-Davidson, O’Briens, Reedgraphics.com, American Glass Co., Knights of Columbus, and Friends of John C.Astle.
For those who are unable to attend the event on June 15th, but who are interested in showing their support to Faces of Valor, donations can be made through the Faces of Valor USA website: www.FacesOfValorUSA.org.
