TAPS/Military Widows to receive unique recognition

Military widows and daughters to be honored at Miss America Pageant

TAPS families offered royal treatment via ‘Project Gratitude’

Twenty-two bereaved widows and daughters of fallen military members will attend the Miss America pageant weekend courtesy of a new initiative called Project Gratitude.

The ladies will travel from around the country courtesy of American Airlines to take part in pageant festivities at Planet Hollywood as well as a number of special events planned specifically for the women.

The event was the idea of Sharlene Hawkes, 'Remember My Service' president and a former Miss America. With the assistance of Darci Hansen, Founder/Editor-In-Chief of Elan Woman magazine, the friends created 'Project Gratitude.'

"With major partners lending a hand including American Airlines, The Miss America Organization, Planet Hollywood, and a huge list of generous participants, the event flourished into a four day escape for the mothers and their daughters," said Hansen.

Activities will include attending the Donny and Marie show with backstage passes to meet the celebrities; make-over's and a shopping spree courtesy of Macy's; and attending formal affairs affiliated with the Miss America Organization.

"This is all about remembering the great service and ultimately, the great sacrifice that so many families make to preserve our way of life, and defend our liberties," said Hawkes.

"Giving these women a royal weekend is the very least we can do for America's greatest treasures. I hope that we can make this a tradition."

The weekend will also include a full day at FINO, courtesy of the owner Alejandro Hormechea, and stylists Andeen Rose-Clark and Zhane Richer (Celine Dion's personal hair stylist). Donating their time and space, all 22 moms and daughters will receive manicures, pedicures, make-up, and hair styles in preparation for the televised segment of the Miss America Pageant.

"I have been asked who is the official sponsor for the event and my response is, 'Two blondes with big hearts and generous friends.' said Hansen.

"We simply wanted to do something to honor our military families. Our partners have enabled us to provide an event with loaded with surprises and a lot of bling!"

Taking part in this type of experience is part of a long road of grief and recovery which TAPS facilitates for any person who has lost a military loved one, regardless of the relationship to the deceased or the circumstances of the death.

"The Project Gratitude organizers reached out to TAPS knowing our military survivors would benefit from a weekend of bonding and sharing a healthy, fun experience," said Elizabeth Kreft, TAPS Director of Communications.

"TAPS is the first place families and friends can turn when they've lost a military loved one. We enable survivors to join together and work through their grief in a healthy way."

The Tragedy Assistance Program for survivors is a network of more than 25,000 mothers, daughters, sons, and fathers who have lost loved ones in military service.

Media wishing to cover this event or interview any of the TAPS families can call Elizabeth Kreft at 202-905-7262.

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