LAKE COUNTY — Wreaths Across America (WAA) is a national nonprofit organization, best known for its annual wreath-laying tradition at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 800 other locations nationwide, with a mission to remember, honor and teach about the service and sacrifices of veterans.
WAA was honored earlier this year with the top-rated nonprofit award by GreatNonprofits, a nationwide provider of information and user reviews about nonprofit organizations. The award was based on the number of positive reviews that WAA received ? reviews written by volunteers, donors and clients, according to Toni Funderburg, coordinator of WAA in Lake County.
One submission read, “Wreaths Across America brings the community together to remember the sacrifices made, to thank those who gave all and the opportunity to educate younger generations about our great heritage. If you are not involved, you should be,” Funderburg stated.
“Savvy donors want to see the impact of their donations more than ever,” Perla Ni, CEO of GreatNonprofits, said. “People with direct experience with Wreaths Across America have voted that the organization is making a real difference.”
While the top-rated nonprofit award”s ranking timeline ran through the end of October, WAA was part of the inaugural group of award recipients for the year, qualifying significantly ahead of the normal timetable, Funderburg stated. The expedited award eligibility was due to the high-quantity and quality of user reviews.
“We are honored to be named a top-rated 2013 nonprofit and truly thank those who took the time to share their experiences,” Karen Worcester, WWA executive director, said. “We often hear that those who have been impacted by WAA come with a mission and leave with a memory. This is a testament to the organization”s mission to remember our fallen heroes, honor those who serve, and teach our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms.”
Being a GreatNonprofit top-rated award recipient not only recognizes the work of the organization, but it also positively impacts the confidence level of donors and volunteers that WAA is a credible, impactful organization, Funderburg stated.
There are four Lake County youth groups that have joined with WAA to help get sponsorships for holiday wreaths for veterans who have been laid to rest. Boy Scout Troop 42 wants to place a wreath on 679 grave sites at Hartley Cemetery, Boy Scout Troop 45 has set a goal of 450 wreaths for Kelseyville Cemetery, 4-H has set a goal of 400 wreaths for Lower Lake, and the Future Farmers of America (FFA) have set a goal of 250 wreaths for Upper Lake.
There will be ceremonies at Hartley, Kelseyville, Lower Lake and Upper Lake cemeteries on Dec. 14 at 9 a.m. Youth groups and veterans from around the county will be participating in laying the wreaths and the ceremonies.
A sponsorship of a wreath costs $15. There are also family sponsorships for four wreaths, small business sponsorships of 10 wreaths and corporate sponsorships of 100 wreaths or any amount in between. Any sponsorship is appreciated and will help the sponsoring groups to honor the Lake County veterans, Funderburg stated.
Sponsors can choose a cemetery and a sponsoring group. Sponsorship forms can be picked up at Lakeport Tire and Auto Service, located at 1901 S. Main St. in Lakeport, or call 263-5422 to have the form faxed or emailed.
Forms can be downloaded online at the WAA”s facebook page, the WWA Lake County facebook page or at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
