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Bourb’N’Que Fundraiser to Benefit Operation ReConnect for Veterans

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Posted Sep 16, 2016
Bourb’N’Que Fundraiser to Benefit Operation ReConnect for Veterans

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (September 16, 2016) – The World Food Championships is using one of its unique events during its 5th Anniversary to help give Combat Veterans an unforgettable gift, thanks to a new relationship with Operation ReConnect, a 501(c)(3) based in Orange Beach.

WFC announced today that proceeds from its Bourb’N’Que event on Veteran’s Day, Nov 11, will go to Operation Reconnect, which is dedicated to giving Combat Veterans time with family by providing complimentary accommodations along the beaches of the Gulf Coast.

The mission of the organization was created in 2014 when Founder and President Ryan Charrier had a touching experience with a fellow Veteran’s family.

“Balancing military responsibilities along with daily life can be tough for both the deployed member and the family who remain behind,” explained Charrier. “During one of my deployments to Afghanistan, a fellow service-member made me aware that in his 28 years of military service – including 6 Combat Deployments – he had never had the time to take his family on a trip to a beach. So I committed to help him make that happen. And after their Orange Beach visit, his spouse informed me, ‘This was the first time my 14-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son had ever been to a beach.’”

At that very moment, Ryan knew this was going to be his life’s purpose – to ReConnect military families with intangible beach time after a deployment. To date, his organization has helped 33 families experience such a memorable vacation.

“This entire community has helped make this happen,” Charrier added. “And business of all types, from condo owners to restaurants and entertainment venues, have jumped on board to help us provide these deserving families an unforgettable experience.”

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The world’s largest food tournament is now joining in on the mission.

“We can’t think of a more fitting charity than Operation ReConnect for our Veteran’s Day benefit. We’re honored to be able to take time out during our biggest week to salute and honor Veteran’s Day by raising awareness and funds for the very people who have given up so much for our country,” expressed Mike McCloud, CEO of World Food Championships.

In addition to a unique military salute, Bourb’N’Que will serve up delicious pork from a whole hog cooking, thanks to Compart Duroc and Celebrity Pitmaster Brad Orrison from The Shed, as well as tasty bourbon samples thanks to Jim Beam Bourbon. General Admission and VIP tickets are available for the fundraiser, which will be held at The Wharf’s beautiful Heron Pointe. Tickets can be purchased here.

For more information about Bourb’N’Que and other events at WFC, click here. To join the Bourb’N’Que event on Facebook, click here.

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About Operation Reconnect
As a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, managed and operated by Combat Veterans, we have a unique understanding and perspective when it comes to the sacrifices members of the Armed Forces encounter before, during and after deployments. 

Operation ReConnect was established to assist in reducing the disconnect that comes from multiple-month deployments. Balancing military responsibilities along with daily family situations can be tough for both the deployed member and the Family/Support System who remained behind. This is why providing this Program not only to Veterans but the Family Members/Support System is our main focus. It is Operation ReConnect's mission to provide the gift of TIME to our service-members and their Families by providing COMPLIMENTARY ACCOMMODATIONS along the beaches of the Gulf Coast. The gift of time that Operation ReConnect and it's Partners provide, allows for an uninterrupted week for families to ReConnect.

To learn more about Operation ReConnect or for donations, head to the website website. You can also follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

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