Operation Hat Trick (OHT) reaches $1 million raised milestone in donations for injured service members

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Nov 12, 2018, 15:15 ET

HAMPTON, N.H., Nov. 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Operation Hat Trick (OHT), a non-profit helping injured veterans, announced today it has reached the $1 million milestone in donations to charities that help thousands of injured service members recover from the visible and invisible wounds of war.

OHT sprang to life in 2008 when founder Dot Sheehan honored Nate Hardy and Mike Koch, two Navy SEAL friends who were killed during an assault on a suicide bomb cell in Iraq. Nate was the son of University of New Hampshire (UNH) professor Steve Hardy and his wife Donna.

Sheehan started out by giving away OHT-branded hats to service members with head and brain injuries, visiting them at Walter Reed Hospital and VA Medical Centers. Today, a royalty paid for every item sold is donated to selected organizations that support OHT's mission.

Two living Presidents, over 350 leading universities in all 50 states, 165 high schools, NHL, NBA and MLB teams, as well as 100+ major corporations support OHT. Over 1.5 million consumers have made a "purchase with a purpose," by buying OHT hats, apparel and merchandise. OHT has provided funding to over 60 organizations across the USA.

The 501c3 non-profit fills critical gaps in care, getting desperately needed financial support to veterans at the grassroots level, when and where it's needed most.

"The Hardy Family is blessed to be a part of OHT. Dot's vision has taken Nate and Mike's sacrifice and turned it to a force for helping their wounded comrades in arms. Never did we think we would reach this milestone so quickly. Thanks to all the partners, sponsors, and consumers who have made this happen," said Steve Hardy.

Kathy Howell, fiancée of Mike Koch, said "I am very grateful to Steve and Donna Hardy and Dot Sheehan, and everyone involved with OHT, for keeping Nate & Mike's memory alive in such a meaningful way. Both of them gave back everyday of their military careers and to memorialize them by continuing to give back to others who served is very heartwarming. I can't think of a better way to remember them."

OHT pioneered the first national philanthropic co-branded cause marketing retail apparel licensing program, in conjunction with America's colleges and universities. Hats, apparel and other products are often co-branded, featuring college, pro, team, company and organization logos along with the OHT logo.

"They promised to defend, we promise to support" is the mission statement of OHT.

"When the seeds were planted a decade ago, I had no idea we'd ever have this kind of national impact. So many people and organizations have worked so tirelessly to make this one million dollar milestone a reality; thank you for all you've done. God bless the men and women who keep our nation safe," said Dot Sheehan, founder of OHT.

Support and learn more about Operation Hat Trick by visiting:

www.operationhattrick.org

www.facebook.com/OperationHatTrick

Twitter - @SupportOHT

Instagram – SUPPORTOHT

OHT online store: https://www.47brand.com/collections/oht

SOURCE Operation Hat Trick