Edible Arrangements Supports IAVA but what about other veterans?

Great thing to do for OEF and OIF veterans but what about the rest? I wonder if they understand the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans are the smallest group of veterans in this country with about 2.5 million out of 23 million and there are a lot more veterans waiting a lot longer for help and support.

Edible Arrangments® Teams With Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America To Serve Our Nation's Military Veterans
Partnership to Focus on Veteran Employment and Includes Veterans Day Promotion and Events

WALLINGFORD, Conn., Nov. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Edible Arrangements, the leading franchisor of stores offering fresh-cut fruit arrangements and other fruit products, has expanded its commitment to military veterans and their families with a new partnership with Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the first and largest organization for new veterans and their families. As unemployment continues to plague many of our veterans, the partnership aims to bring career opportunities to IAVA's membership through mentorship, franchise incentives and the funding of job training programs. To kick off the partnership, Edible Arrangements will conduct a promotion this Nov. 3 through Nov. 12 to raise money for IAVA and participate with the organization in "VetTogether" events at VA hospitals in cities across the country.

Of the partnership, Edible Arrangements' founder and CEO Tariq Farid said, "Edible Arrangements' partnership with the IAVA will allow us to be more effective in our work to recruit and employ veterans and bring attention to the fact that veterans have qualities that make them ideal small business owners and team members. We are lucky to have such an esteemed organization to assist us and I am honored for this opportunity."

From Nov. 3 to Nov. 12, Edible Arrangements will donate $1 to IAVA for every Edible Pop™ sold, with the goal of donating $50,000 through product sales. In addition, the company has committed a $15,000 corporate pledge. These funds will assist in employment support programs including the creation of a tool kit with creative approaches and best practices for Edible Arrangements® franchisees to locate and hire qualified veterans across the U.S.

Together, IAVA and Edible Arrangements will also host "VetTogether" events at VA hospitals and centers across the country on Nov. 6. At these events in California, Connecticut, New York, Minnesota and Texas, team members will distribute more than 1,000 Edible Pops to the VA's patients and staff members. IAVA VetTogethers are empowering local events that unite IAVA members and its supporters.

"IAVA is excited about partnering with Edible Arrangements in its campaign to bring career opportunities to the new greatest generation of veterans," said IAVA CEO and Founder Paul Rieckhoff. "Leaders like Edible Arrangements understand that veterans can translate their military skills into new job opportunities and lead with confidence in the civilian workforce. We are proud to work with them to add more veteran business owners and team members to their company family."

Edible Arrangements has a history of supporting our nation's service members. The franchise-based business has contributed more than $125,000 to veteran programs, such as VetFran, which provides support and incentives for veterans seeking small-business ownership. In addition, the Edible Arrangements® franchisee network, independently owned and operated, collectively employs more than 600 former military professionals.

Edible Arrangements is also establishing a presence on military bases across the U.S. with its first on-base store opening this November in Fort Bragg, N.C., home of the U.S. Airborne and Special Operations and one of the largest military complexes in the world.

For more information about Edible Arrangements, its commitment to veterans or to locate a store visit, www.EdibleArrangements.com.