Helping Hands for Freedom is a 501c3 dedicated to supporting the families of the fallen, wounded and deployed.

Helping Hands for Freedom to Be Recipient of Fundraiser at Local Restaurant Chain

Posted October 13, 2015 by Jaclyn Clark

By Lynette Carrington

In September, Macayo’s unveiled a new look and a new menu at its Scottsdale Macayo’s Mexican Grill & Cantina. During that event, a fundraiser was also held for local nonprofit organization Helping Hands for Freedom. The CEO of Helping Hands for Freedom Darin Fishburn explains, “The grand re-opening of the Macayo’s Scottsdale was a huge success with over 180 diners. The owner introduced our charity to many of the guests that night. We had a silent auction that also raised money. It was nice to see a family operated business show our military charity that focuses on keeping the family together so much appreciation.”

Fishburn continues, “We are so honored that Macayo’s is doing a statewide fundraiser. Anyone that orders a ‘Freedom Chimichanga’ helps fund our holiday assistance programs. Without people like this, we couldn’t help our heroes.”

Details:

Dates: October 18 through November 19

Location: Any Macayo’s or Macayo’s Grill & Cantina. Visit www.macayo.com for locations.

What: $1.00 from every “Freedom Chimichanga” purchased benefits Helping Hands for Freedom

Why: Support our Gold Star and Wounded Warriors ZooLights Program

Every year, Helping Hands for Freedom takes its Gold Star and Wounded Warriors families to the ZooLights program at the Phoenix Zoo.Santa Claus brings gifts for every child and the night is spent honoring our fallen heroes and the families they left behind.“The Gold Star award is the only award not given to the soldier.” Fishburn says, “It is given to the surviving families. When you see someone wearing the Gold Star pin, you are looking at someone whose loved one paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”

Helping Hands for Freedom brings together both the Gold Stars and the Wounded Warriors and their families. “We will host a party on December 10 at the Phoenix Zoo with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Also, every Gold Star and Wounded Warrior family child in attendance gets a gift,” Fishburn says. “We have a dinner with a hot chocolate bar for the families. It’s a beautiful thing when everyone comes together to help these heroes’ families at their most vulnerable time. It’s hard to celebrate the holidays without your loved ones. These families have paid the price so that we can have the freedoms in this country. It’s an amazing night when you see these families smile and they can enjoy being around other people that understand what they’re going through.”

Helping Hands for Freedom is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports military children & families facing injury, loss, and multiple deployments. You can learn more about us at www.helpinghandsforfreedom.org