NFL Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick Scores a Touchdown with

 The Home Sweet Home Campaign “Schools That Care” Contest

Gilbert AZ -   NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick may be living more than 1900 miles away from home, but he hasn’t forgotten about his hometown of Gilbert, Arizona.  Ryan, quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, took a redeye flight back to Arizona to participate in th^e first “Schools That Care” Awards Ceremony.  Ryan, along with three other local judges, was honored for his support and participation in the Home Sweet Home Campaign’s T-shirt design contest.  With more than 1000 elementary students, teachers and parents in the audience, Ryan spoke to the group about how important it is for us to support our soldiers in their time of need.  He also thanked everyone who participated in the contest and presented two awards in the following categories; Kindergarten – 3^rd grade and 4^th – 6^th grade. “I’m trying to get the kids excited about it and they were very excited for sure,” Fitzpatrick said. “The best thing for me, and for other professional athletes, is to provide some dollars, a face or energy in order to get people involved.”

Sage McDaniel (1^st grade) and Peyton Myers (6^th grade), students of Superstition Springs Elementary School of Gilbert, Arizona, were ecstatic to be chosen as the winners and have their designs featured on the Home Sweet Home Campaign Web site, www.OurSoldiers.org.  When asked how she would feel if she was walking through the mall and saw someone wearing her design, Peyton Myers smiled and said “That would be awesome, unbelievable; I would be so excited that I would want to walk up and tell them it was my design.”   First grader Sage McDaniel, whose uncle is in the military, said, “I care for our soldiers because they protect us and hope they all come home.”  She added, “I was trying to help their families so they could be home safe.”

Local businesses also showed their support by donating the prizes and treats for all the students.  Bling Software and Defender Pro, one of the Home Sweet Home “Companies That Cares,” provided iPods for each winner, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts donated 83 dozen doughnuts, Bahama Bucks provided free shaved ice for the top three classes and Tropical Smoothie Café provided lunch for the media.

Through the first week of sales, the Home Sweet Home Campaign has raised $905.00 towards their goal of donating $1 million dollars to USA Cares.  Beth Ann VanHoose, founder of the campaign commented, “We are very excited to have completed our first contest and I am looking forward to cutting our first check to USA Cares.”  USA Cares is a nonprofit 505(c)3 organization that helps post 9/11 military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Their mission is to help with basic needs during financial crisis, to assist combat injured veterans and their families and to prevent private military home foreclosures and evictions.  

The Home Sweet Home Campaign was inspired by Tim Little, a US Army reservist who served two tours in the Middle East and currently suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).  Little and his family nearly lost their home while he was being evaluated by the VA, but thanks to USA Cares, they were able to stay in their home and focus on the future and healing.  The “Schools That Care” contest will travel across the country this fall, working with schools in 5 major cities, raising awareness and funds.

About the Home Sweet Home Campaign

The Home Sweet Home Campaign is a grassroots approach to raising awareness and funds for our post 9/11 war veterans.  Partnering with local schools, businesses and organizations in key cities across the country the Home Sweet Home campaign has pledged to raise $1 million dollars for USA Cares, a 501(c)3 organization. For every T-shirt and River Rock sold, $5 will be donated to USA Cares. To learn more about campaign and USA Cares, go to www.OurSoldiers.org or contact Beth Ann VanHoose at 618-567-1384 or via e-mail at Beth@OurSoldiers.org. .