OCEAN CITY — The Rotary Club of Ocean City-Upper Township is offering the Flags for Heroes campaign to honor U.S. military veterans, first responders and anyone else who has made a difference in a person’s life.
“Who is your hero?” the campaign’s banner asks.
Randi Scheck, co-president of the local club, said many clubs hold the Flags for Heroes campaign but theirs is different in that participants can honor anyone, not just a military veteran.
“We ask people who they believe is a hero to them. Sometimes it’s somebody who saved your life, sometimes it’s your mother. We put a little spin on it,” she said.
The community is invited to sponsor a hero with a Hero Tribute Display ($60) — featuring his or her name, photograph and personal message — at Veterans Memorial Park.
The banners and U.S. flags will be on display through Aug. 9.
Scheck said this is the fifth time the club has held the fundraiser, saying it has been a success in the past and doing well again this year.
“It is very popular. It gets people motivated to give, especially when it’s something meaningful to them,” she said. “So far we’re doing well, but you could always do better. It’s starting off well and hopefully we will make some money and be able to help some people.”
The funds raised are designated for the club’s children’s programs, such as the It’s Cool to be Kind writing contest coming up in the fall for fourth- and fifth-graders in the two communities.
The club also is seeking community sponsors ($125) to help support the campaign and honor heroes throughout the community. Visit tinyurl.com/flagsocutrotary.
More information is available by calling (609) 412-3459 or (609) 602-4325.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff