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Posted on 05/25/2010 6:07:40 PM PDT by concretebob
Montmorenci, IN (PRWEB) May 24, 2010 -- Not many new charities start life with experience and a proven track record and no logo, but Cooking with the Troops Inc. has done just that. Today sees the launch of a nationwide logo contest for a charity that has grown out of a program at Soldiers' Angels, Cooking with the Wounded, and out of barbecues done for the last several years at Walter Reed by "Concrete" Bob Miller.
By combining these two efforts, and bringing in a strong commitment to culinary education and careers, the charity aims to support U.S. and Allied troops, their families, and caregivers. Their mission is simple: Provide aid, comfort, and support to US and Allied military troops and families by:
1. Providing a culinary change of pace for U.S. and Allied military personnel -- particularly the wounded, injured, and ill -- and medical caregivers 2. Providing educational resources, opportunities and transition assistance into food and beverage careers for those who serve 3. Gathering and sharing knowledge with and for troops on the front line and supporting same 4. Providing other direct and indirect assistance to support the care and well-being of U.S. and Allied military personnel and their families.
Like all new ventures, Cooking with the Troops needs many things. It's 501(c)(3) application is filed, it has a bank account, and it even has a placeholder website (http://cwtt.org) up while its "real" site is in development. What it needs now is a logo.
The way it's going to get it, however, is a bit different: they are holding a contest open to anyone to submit ideas for review by a panel of judges. The artwork that best exemplifies the program and its mission will become the logo of the organization. The full details, including specifications and deadlines, can be found at http//cwtt.org/logocontest.html.
Prizes for the contest are coming from a variety of sources, including: The Spice House (http://www.thespicehouse.com/); author and knife maker Michael Z. Williamson (http://www.sharppointythings.com/index.php & http://www.michaelzwilliamson.com/); and, singer Gretchen Wilson (http://www.gretchenwilson.com/). Cooking with the Troops is continuing to work to add more to the prizes.
"Sometimes, when you are as close to this as we are," says Bob Miller, who is both Vice Chairman of the Board and President, "You can't see the forest for the trees. In this way, we get people with talent and vision who can see the big picture, and can show us how they see us and what we want to do."
The contest will be judged by Chris Muir (http://www.daybydaycartoon.com/), Damon Shackelford (http://www.deltabravosierra.us/), and John Cox (http://johncoxart.com/). The contest will run until noon 25 June 2010, when judging will begin. The artwork submitted will be showcased on the web as the contest progresses, and prizes are being donated for the first, second, and third place winners.
"This has happened much faster than any of us anticipated," laughs C. Blake Powers, who is serving as Chairman of the Board and CEO. "The original plan that came out of Patti's suggestion that we become our own organization was to take 6-9 months, but things have moved in days to weeks, not months. "
The Cooking with the Wounded program at Soldiers' Angels grew out of a steak dinner cooked by Blake Powers at Landstuhl, which was dubbed "Cooking for the Wounded." Given the strong desire on the part of some of the wounded to participate, the name was changed to "Cooking with the Wounded" when it became a formal program. The program has drawn a great deal of interest, and the idea to expand it came fairly quickly and the founder of Soldiers' Angels, Patti Patton-Bader, was the first to suggest that it become its own program.
Bob Miller has been making BBQ sauce for more than 35 years and doing BBQs at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and other facilities for more than five years. The barbecues grew out of frequent Friday night visits to Walter Reed for the ongoing Friday night rallies at the main gates to support the troops.
"Blake, as happens with many visionaries, has launched this very important mission for our heroes. " says Patti-Patton Bader of Soldiers' Angels. "It is wonderful to have a new strategic partner to work wingtip to wingtip to improve the quality of life for our defenders of freedom."
Bringing the different efforts together not only answers a need, but allows it to be met in an effective, efficient, and delicious way.
"We are looking forward to the submissions, and to having people learn more about us," says Mary Katharine Ham, who is serving as Secretary of the Board. "We've committed to doing four barbecues and three special food events at a minimum this year, and hope to do more with support from the public."
Hey, this is great...I love doing stuff like this, I’ll see if can wring anything out of this brain of mine!
Hope all is well, CB...keep up the good work!
Mags, you did my graphics, didn’t you?
PS, are you related to McAlpine?
I’d like to help...how about some new cook books for the troops who participate?
I can ask all my friends to buy one in time for me to bring it on my next trip.
I can think of some other things that might be fun to have too. Especially after the logo is chosen!
Yes, I did. Thanks for the ping.
Absolutely, 3D...what a great idea!!!<
Sounds like something worth taking a shot at.
OK...I’ll start putting the word out.
See you in late June or early July. Have to do graduations first.
And that is some awesome barbeque! Great idea, Concretebob. Thanks for the ping. Will ping other graphics peeps on FR...
Ping!
Wow, thanks for the ping Albion.
The ones already submitted look pretty good, yet there is almost a month to go.
It sounds like you have some good ideas Fichori, why don’t you give it a try?
I’m a woman and somehow see this as more of a ‘man’s style’ graphic project.
Good luck if you do!
Hehe, oh...
Well, thanks for the encouragement, but its a bit more publicity than suits my tastes. ;-)
The McAlpine I speak of was Sir Robert McAlpine founder of Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd. London, he was known as “Concrete Bob”.
www.sir-robert-mcalpine.com
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