SHOT Show 2011: 9/11 Fundraiser

Jan. 20, 2011
5.11 Tactical announces a new fundraising event they have launched, centering around the almost unknown tradition of their never-sold hats and honoring the brave men and women who were lost in the attacks of September 11th, 2001.

Well, folks, I'd apologize for not having put up more information faster, BUT I've walked about twelve hours per day for the past four and business / dinner meetings take up time. Go figure. That said, there have been some interesting things found, seen and (now) shared.

I'd like to start out with news from 5.11 Tactical. They have undertaken a fund-raising project to support several public safety charities. A little history is required here: When I attended their press briefing Tuesday morning I learned that 5.11 Tactical never actually sold a ballcap. I know you all are thinking, "Wait a minute; I've BOUGHT a hat online." I encourage you to think about it. You've bought other product from them and the hat was GIVEN to you as part of the order. I learned on Tuesday that 5.11 Tactical ALWAYS ONLY gave away their hats. That became pretty cool actually. Having a new 5.11 Tactical hat, in some circles, made you cool.

So, Tuesday morning I was given the newest 5.11 Tactical hat and that's cool enough. It's black with black embroidery of their logo but the truly cool part is the new logo that’s on the right side. As I said above, 5.11 Tactical has kicked off a fund-raiser, all of the proceeds from which are supporting the fire-fighters, law enforcement officers and other 9/11 victims and their surviving families. To do so, 5.11 Tactical has made a special hat - the only hat they have ever sold and 100% of the proceeds are being donated to the three foremost charities related to the specified 9/11 related victims / survivors.

The following was received from 5.11 Tactical: As part of the 10th anniversary commemorating the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, 5.11 Tactical invites you to wear and share your thanks. The tactical apparel company will honor Public Safety Officers involved in incidents on 9/11 and donate all profits from a special line of tactical clothing to three funds that pay tribute to those who serve.

The goal is to donate $250,000 to the FDNY Foundation for fire service and $250,000 for EMS operations, and $250,000 to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. "We are so grateful to the men and women who put their lives on the line for us on 9/11 and every day. This is one way for us to show public safety officers across the country that we will not forget their sacrifices," explains Dan Costa, CEO of 5.11 Tactical.

5.11 Tactical is using a unique anniversary logo that honors the heroes of September 11, 2001. The emblem features the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and flight number 93 whose brave passengers prevented it from being used as a third weapon. Mike G., a 9.11 First Responder with the Department of Homeland Security explains "We were meeting with Dan (5.11’s CEO) to discuss new product ideas when the talk turned serious and we began reflecting on 9.11 and noted that 2011 would be the 10 year anniversary. I sketched an idea for the emblem on a napkin (literally) and the idea was born."

This logo will be embroidered on a special line of apparel created specifically for this project. To engage the public, 5.11 Tactical will donate 100% of the net profits from the sale of these apparel items to the three tribute funds. The idea is for people to purchase a logoed shirt, bag, hat or wallet and utilize the logo to engage others to ask about the cause and also contribute. The tactical clothing and accessory company has introduced this line as a way to pay tribute to our brave public servants by raising money for these funds. Anyone who purchases an item will make a donation to the funds and remember the heroes of 9/11.

Al Autry, Vice President of Marketing for 5.11 Tactical whose son is a firefighter explains: "We hope that this fund drive can be one voice in a chorus of organizations that will take this opportunity to show support and gratitude for our public safety officers."

Given that we will honor the tenth anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001 this year, I felt this was appropriate to share this information before anything else coming out of SHOT Show. Certainly, more info will follow, but I encourage you to visit www.511tactical.com and support their efforts.

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