First Amendment Rights Meets First Class Appreciation; Giving Back in the O.C.

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA – It is customary for American’s to honor and recognize our service members for their acts of valor and bravery. Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Independence Day are the few “special dates” carved into the year to force us to take a moment to say “thank you”. But ever-so-often we walk blindly among those who are deserving of that gratitude on a daily basis. They are fathers, sons, husbands and brothers – our neighbors, our friends – grandchildren that carry on legacies, and heroes that carry on hope. Each day that we are able to enjoy the gift of freedom is a day to be thankful…and Orange County Supports Our Troops is aiming to do just that. To always remember the sacrifices that these heroes have made so that we may live the life we live today – in the land of the free and home of the brave.

Established in 2013, Orange County Supports Our Troops (OCSOT, a local 501c3 non-profit organization) is dedicated to producing fundraising opportunities to benefit the Injured Marine Semper Fi and America’s Fund charities. Their annual golf tournament is the organization’s largest event to date and yields nearly 300 golfers in addition to numerous business and individual sponsors, generous donors, and countless volunteer assistance. A variety of Orange County and Los Angeles based companies come out to support the event, a day that is typically packed full of vendors, auction items, contests, celebrity guest appearances, and more. “We consider O.C. Supports Our Troops a coalition of south county residents and business leaders. Our purpose is to give back to those whom given so much to us and to make a difference in a hero’s life.” says Dave Hanna, owner of Hanna’s Restaurant & Bar and co-founding member of OCSOT.

While OCSOT was not officially formed until 2013, the event founders initiated the tradition in 2012 with the 1st Annual Semper Fi Golf Tournament. Both the 2012 and 2013 events combined produced more than $350,000 in funds, 100% of which were donated back to the Semper Fi and America’s Fund charities. Last year, with the help of GoDaddy.com, OCSOT was able to give back $240,000. This year, with the generous matching offer extended once again by GoDaddy.com, the organization hopes to exceed $300,000 which would set a new record for their fundraising achievements. “Establishing O.C. Supports Our Troops is an everyday realization of the opportunity to provide the community with an avenue of means to give back to these deserving individuals.” states Hanna.

The 3rd Annual Golf Tournament & Fundraiser will take place on the 10th of November, just one day prior to Veteran’s Day, and will be held at the Coto De Caza Golf & Racquet Club. The all-day event starts at 8:30 am and concludes at sunset with a special banquet reception packed full of service members, honorary guests, sponsors, and tournament participants. “We are humbled and honored to be able to provide this much needed support for these American heroes. The sacrifices they and their families have endured should never be forgotten” says Brandon Abbey, President of Escrow.com and co-founding member of OCSOT.

Event organizers are currently accepting player registrations as well as event sponsorships, in kind donations, and any other contributions or assistance to benefit this remarkable cause; to learn more or to sign up please visit www.ocsot.com. Sponsorships close on October 31st however early registration is open now through November 1st. Participants may either sign up online (www.OCSOT.com) or can register in person on the day of the event. Doors open at 8:30 am on Monday, November 10th.

The Semper Fi Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and its program America’s Fund, provide immediate financial assistance and lifetime support for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Founded by a group of Marine Corps spouses, the Fund provides assistance to post 9/11 service members whom have suffered amputations, spinal cord injuries, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress(PTS), burns, blindness, other physical injuries, or those suffering from life-threatening illnesses. Since their establishment in 2004, the Semper Fi Fund has provided more than 62,400 grants (totaling more than $80 million in assistance) to over 10,200 beneficiaries. They have been awarded the highest ratings from Watch Dog groups: A+ from Charity Watch for the second year (only one of two veteran nonprofits to receive this rating the last two reports), 4 stars from Charity Navigator for five consecutive years, and are able to maintain an extremely low overhead - 6%, rapid assistance with no red tape.

Contact: David Hanna or Michele Fox

press@hannasprimesteak.com

(949) 709-2300