Wounded Warrior Project to Host Annual Fundraising Dinner

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 6 /PRNewswire/ -- On Thursday, May 13 at 6p.m., Wounded Warrior Project, in partnership with title sponsor, The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., will host its annual Courage Awards and Benefit Dinner at Cipriani 42nd Street in Manhattan.  

"This year we will feature and honor some of the family caregivers who have sacrificed so much to care for their wounded loved ones, with many families making the brave and difficult choice to give up employment and healthcare of their own to care for a warrior at home," said Steven Nardizzi, Wounded Warrior Project Executive Director.

For the third year in a row, famed sportscaster Bob Costas will MC the event. With a guest list of more than 650 that includes over 100 wounded warriors and their caregivers, celebrities such as Bill O'Reilly, Trace Adkins, Matthew Modine, Tony Sirico, Bob Kingsley, and New York Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin, the gala is sold out.  All proceeds benefit WWP.

"The Hartford is proud to sponsor the Wounded Warrior Project's annual Courage Awards and Benefit Dinner," said Juan Andrade, president and chief operating officer of The Hartford's property and casualty operations. "As a top military employer, we strongly support Wounded Warrior Project's mission to honor and empower wounded warriors. Through this partnership and others, we fulfill our commitment of supporting veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much for the security of this country."

Other venerable corporations partnering with WWP to sponsor the event are: Macy's, Jetblue Airways, Overstock.com, The Charles Evans Foundation, Ken & Tracy Collom, Amherst Securities Group LP, Fox News Channel, BAE Systems, Halmar International, and many more. For a full list, please visit: www.wwpcourageawards.org.

Three special honors will be awarded during the evening:

• The Tony Snow Award is designed to recognize a citizen in corporate America or the media, who by their actions, has made a significant difference in the lives of injured service men and women – and who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Wounded Warrior Project and its mission.
• The George C. Lang Award for Courage was founded in memory of George C. Lang, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and friend of the Wounded Warrior Project. George passed away on March 16th, 2005.
• The Talkhouse Award for Community Service is given to a citizen who has devoted their time, talent and passion to organizing fundraising events benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project.

Images and information about award recipients will be available following the event.  

About Wounded Warrior Project

The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors.  Its purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service members, to help severely injured men and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. To get involved and learn more, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

About The Hartford

Celebrating nearly 200 years of helping its customers achieve what's ahead, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is an insurance and wealth management company. Through its unique focus on customer needs, the company serves businesses and consumers by providing the products and solutions they need to protect their assets and income from risks and manage their wealth and retirement needs. A Fortune 100 company, The Hartford is recognized widely for its service expertise and as one of the world's most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com.

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project