Dunkin’ Donuts announced that, again this year, select locations would be supporting Operation Tribute.  Beginning Saturday November 26 thru Sunday December 4, participating locations will be accepting donation for Operation Tribute.  Customers making a $1.00 donation will receive a coupon good for a free medium hot or iced coffee that can be redeemed anytime in January.  Said Founder and Chairman of Operation Tribute, Marc Badeau, “The franchisees of the participating Dunkin’ Donut locations are truly community-minded business owners that understand the incredible sacrifice that the children of military families living in their communities make on a daily basis.  We are honored to have Dunkin’ Donuts as a partner and look forward to having their participation increase awareness of the silent and unsung heroes that are these children.” 

The offer will be available at over 500 Dunkin’ Donut locations including participating locations in the state of Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, Bristol County Massachusetts, Coos, Carroll, Sullivan, & Grafton counties in New Hampshire and Clinton, Franklin, and Essex counties in New York. 

While you are shopping for the perfect gift for your loved one, why not stop by your nearest Dunkin’ Donuts location and donate $1.00 to recognize the children of military families living in your community?  You’ll feel great and also receive a coupon for a free medium or hot coffee!  Everyone knows that elves run on Dunkin’!!

Maine’s First Lady, Anne LePage, presented Operation Tribute’s Founder and Chairman, Marc Badeau, with the Governor’s Award as Maine’s Outstanding Non-profit.  The Governor’s Award recognizes a non-profit organization that has made significant changes and improvements in the condition of the community as a result of their volunteer service.  This award is sponsored by the Maine Commission for Community Service.  Nominations are solicited from all over the state with peer reviewers selecting the winner. The organization is invited to the Maine State House Hall of Flags for recognition.

“It is truly an honor to be presented with the Governor’s Award as Maine’s Outstanding Non-profit,” stated Founder and Chairman, Marc Badeau.  “Having been chosen as the receipient of this prestigious award, particularly considering the numerous high-quality nominations that were submitted, is truly a testiment to the incredible volunteers that we have that give tirelessly of their time and the generous sponsors that ensure that no child of a military family is turned away due to lack of funding.  Although I am accepting this award on behalf of Operation Tribute and its volunteers, I also do so on behalf of the children of military families that are owed our recognition for their continuing sacrifices”, said  Badeau. 

Operation Tribute is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that pays tribute to the children of military families by providing them with a gift during the holiday season.  For more information, to make a donation, or to volunteer, please contact the main office at (207)221-0296 or email CustomerService@OperationTribute.com. 

Maine First Lady, Anne LePage, presents Operation Tribute's Founder & Chairman, Marc Badeau, with the Governor's Award as Maine's Outstanding Non-Profit

Operation Tribute has been awarded the 2011 Year of Service Award by Citadel Broadcasting.  

Each year for the last 24 years Citadel Broadcasting Company located in New Hampshire has offered a major 12 month commitment to a public service organization.  Citadel Broadcasting Company has provided the organization with public visibility and assistance in special fund raising projects through a grant of over $100,000 worth of air time on 3 radio stations – WOKQ, WPKQ and The Shark – broadcasting on 4 frequencies and in-kind services.

David Hagen, New Hampshire Chairman of Operation Tribute stated “We are delighted to be honored with such a prestigious award as the Year of Service Award.  The ability to deliver our message through such market-leading stations as the Shark, WOKQ and WPKQ will have a profound impact on getting the message out about our program to the children of military families in New Hampshire as well as helping to attract donors to ensure that no child that registers for the program is refused a gift due to lack of funding.”

Mark Ericson,  Operations Manager and radio personality stated “Operation Tribute is a unique organization that has touched upon a group of children whose sacrifice is too often forgotten.  We are excited about working with Operation Tribute in promoting their program to all of our listeners.”

Operation Tribute presented Year of Service Award (Pictured left Marc Badeau - Founder & Chairman of the Board, Karen Riley - Radio Personality, Barbara Otterson - NH Operation Tribute Secretary, David Hagen - Operation Tribute NH Chairman, Mark Ericson - Radio Personality and Operations Manager)

Operation Tribute is honored to have its Founder and Chairman, Marc Badeau receive the NBC Maine affiliate WCSH “6 Who Care” Award for 2010-2011.  The 6 Who Care Award is given to honor 6 individuals in Maine who demonstrate exceptional service to their community. It was created by NBC affiliate WCSH 6 and the United Way of Greater Portland to recognize outstanding community volunteers.

“Although it is a tremendous honor to receive this award, I humbly accept it on behalf of the children of military familes and the countless volunteers and donors who help make this program a reality.  As Operation Tribute continues to be recognized for its impact on the lives of the children of military families, I am hopeful that it will become a national program in the near future to ensure that the children of all military families throughout the country are recognized for their daily sacrifices and courage.” said Badeau.

A video of the segment that aired on WCSH can be seen at 

http://www.wcsh6.com/video/default.aspx?aid=64971#/Local/6+Who+Care%3A+Marc+Badeau/49383985001/49452227001/641710296001

The Board of Directors and volunteers of Operation Tribute would like to extend a warm congratulations, Marc, for being chosen as the 2010/2011 6 Who Care Award recipient and for your leadership and vision in serving the children of military families. 

Marc Badeau (center) receives 6 Who Care Award from WCSH anchors Cindy Williams (left) and Pat Callaghan (right)

Marc Badeau, Founder and Chairman of Operation Tribute give his acceptance speech at the 6 Who Care Awards Ceremony

Since Operation Tribute’s inception in 2007, Martin’s Point Health Care has been an avid supporter of Operation Tribute.  David Howes MD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Martin’s Point Health Care, said “ We are delighted to continue to support Operation Tribute in their mission of recognizing and rewarding the children of military families for their sacrifice.  We have seen Operation Tribute expand to 8 states and produce tangible results and are proud to partner with them again this year.”  Operation Tribute’s Founder and Chairman, Marc Badeau, stated that “Martin’s Point Health Care (MPHC)  is an organization that truly understands the emotional and psychological issues that the children of military families experience every day.   We are grateful that MPHC continues to take an active role in providing counsel and support and look forward to our continuing relationship.” 

MPHC President and Chief Executive Officer, David Howes, MD, (left) presents Operation Tribute Founder and Chairman, Marc Badeau with a check in the amount of $7,500. 

Martin’s Point Health Care (MPHC) is a not-for-profit health care organization based in Portland, Maine.  MPHC’s goal is to provide excellent health care and customer service to the communitiesthey serve and, ultimately, to help those they care for lead healthier lives.

On Friday December 10, 2010, New Hampshire Governor John Lynch proclaimed the month of December “Operation Tribute Month” in honor of the children of New Hampshire’s military families.  In the Proclamation, Governor Lynch  congratulated Operation Tribute for their efforts in recognizing the sacrifice and bravery of the children of New Hampshire’s military families and commended the organization for its continuing expansion to other states.  Governor Lynch urged all citizens in the state of New Hampshire to recognize this observance of December as Operation Tribute Month.

Seen in the picture with Governor Lynch are, (L to R): Operation Tribute New Hampshire Chapter Board members Barbara Otterson, Normand Lemerise, New Hampshire State Board Chairman David Hagen, New Hampshire Governor John Lynch, Board member, Ed McCann, Reverend Robert Smolley, and Michelle Motta DeLeon, Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee.

Operation Tribute announced that it has formed a strategic partnership with Dunkin’ Donuts to help the children of military families in their communities.  Beginning Monday December 6 thru Friday December 10, all Dunkin’ Donut locations in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and upstate New York will be accepting donations for Operation Tribute.  As a special gift to their customers who contribute $2.00 to the program, Dunkin’ Donuts will give them a $1.00 coupon good toward any item purchased in January.  The goal is for Dunkin’ to help raise over $250,000 for Operation Tribute.

Marc Badeau, Founder and Chairman of Operation Tribute, said “When I first met with the Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees to discuss a possible partnership, it became apparent very quickly that this venture would be a great fit as these were shop owners that truly understood what giving back to their local communities meant.  They also identified strongly with the tremendous sacrifice that each child of a military family made on a daily basis.  What began as a partnership with the Maine locations quickly spread to include all of New Hampshire, Vermont and upstate New York as more franchisees heard of our program and the promotion.”  Badeau added, “We were delighted with their support last year in Maine, which resulted in a $25,000 donation.  The expanded program and new goal of $250,000 is remarkable and underscores the Dunkin’ Donut franchisees  commitment to the children of military families.”

 “As a Veteran, I know how important it is to support the children of active military members,” said Norm Boulay, local Maine franchisee. “I am proud to be a part of this program and hope we reach our goal again this year.

To participate in the program, please stop by any Dunkin’ Donuts location in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and upstate New York and make your donation. 

Operation Tribute Asking For Gifts For Military Kids

Posted: Dec 07, 2010 5:05 PM EST Updated: Dec 14, 2010 5:03 PM EST

One organization is making sure children of military families have a happy holiday season. Stacks of books, teddy bears, and dolls are ready to be sent to thousands of kids throughout New England.

Operation Tribute organized a gift wrapping party at the Vermont National Guard base in Colchester, Vt. Tuesday. By partnering with Dunkin Donut stores, the organization plans to get gifts to more than 30,000 kids by Christmas.

“If you think about the fact that while you’re at school, you’re worried about whether your mom or dad is in harm’s way at that particular moment, you begin to understand what the life of a child of a military family is like,” Operation Tribute founder Marc Badeau said. 

Dunkin Donuts hopes to raise $250,000. The stores will be accepting donations now through Friday. Anyone who donates at least two dollars will receive a dollar-off coupon.

The New York Giants have renewed their support for the children of military families living in New York and New Jersey by donating to Operation Tribute.  Marc Badeau, Founder and Chairman of Operation Tribute stated, “I am delighted that the New York Giants have renewed their committment to the children of military families living in New York and New Jersey.  Many of the children that are supported by our program look up to and idolize the Giants’ players and this act of generosity by the organization demonstrates the Giants’ recognition and honoring of the children’s daily sacrifice.  We are grateful for the NY Giants’ support and wish them the best in the 2010-2011 season.” 

Operation Tribute distributed over 2,500 gifts to the children of military families living in New York and New Jersey in 2009 and over 25,000 throughout New England.  Operation Tribute pays tribute to the children of military families living in New England, New York and New Jersey by providing them with a gift during the holiday season.  To volunteer or make a contribution, please contact Operaton Tribute  at (207)221-0296 or at Sponsorship@OperationTribute.com.