Operations

CKE Restaurants launches annual Stars for Heroes Campaign for military members, families

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May 28, 2024

CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, kicked off its 13th annual Stars for Heroes fundraising campaign last weekend, according to a press release.

The campaign runs from May 27 through July 4 at participating Carl's Jr. and Hardee's restaurants nationwide, raising funds and awareness for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families in need.

Customers can donate $1 or more at the register to support national and local charities. Nationally, the campaign benefits USA Cares, which provides post-9/11 veterans and their families with housing, healthcare, and advocacy assistance. Local franchisees can also choose to support local charities.

"At CKE Restaurants, we proudly work alongside and serve thousands of veterans and veteran family members each day," Blake Devillier, Carl's Jr. USA president Blake Devillier and Hardee's USA president Chris Bode, said in the release. "This annual campaign is our way of giving back to them, thanking them for their service, and strengthening the bonds we have within our communities."

In 2022, USA Cares provided over $1.4 million in aid to more than 845 veterans and families. Their programs address various needs, from financial assistance for service-related injuries to career transition resources.

"No matter the reason our veterans come to us for assistance, our goal is to be a stable source of support for them during their most critical times of need," Trace Chesser, chief executive officer of USA Cares, said in the release. "We are committed to improving the quality of life for the veterans we work with and their families, and we are grateful for CKE Restaurants' role in helping us make this possible."

Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC and Hardee's Restaurants LLC have more than 3,600 franchised or company-operated restaurants domestically and more than 35 international markets and U.S. territories.