Operation Hat Trick (OHT) surpasses $4.5 million in lifetime funding for wounded and recovering service members and veterans

HAMPTON, N.H., July 20, 2023 – Operation Hat Trick (OHT), an innovative social impact organization supporting the recovery of wounded American service members and veterans, has surpassed $4.5 million in lifetime funding.

In fiscal year 2023 (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023), OHT provided more than $1 million in funding, the second time it has reached this milestone in one fiscal year period.

“During a time in our country when there have been so many serious challenges, OHT has been able to fill more critical gaps in care than ever that change lives for the better. The funding we’ve provided is improving mental health, eradicating homelessness, reducing suicide rates, restoring independence, providing greater mobility and treating substance abuse. We are thankful to all who helped make this possible,” said Dot Sheehan, Founder and President of Operation Hat Trick.

OHT is differentiated from veteran-focused nonprofit organizations by its innovative operating model. Rather than relying on donations to raise money, OHT sells co-branded apparel and merchandise in conjunction with over 500 American colleges and universities, as well as many NHL, NBA, MLB and MiLB teams. More than 90% of all money raised is derived from selling co-branded products online and via retail. OHT receives a royalty from the sale of this merchandise which fuels its funding to veterans.

OHT branded merchandise is available via online retailers such as Fanatics, Amazon and national retailers including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Cracker Barrel, Barnes & Noble, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Kohl’s, Lids, Scheels and more. Its 25+ licensed partners include companies in the headwear, apparel, tailgate games, drinkware, home decor, gifts, blankets, and pillows categories.

OHT is also distinguished by a unique “pass through” operational model where funding is distributed to carefully curated veterans-focused organizations compatible with OHT’s mission. To date, OHT has distributed funding to nearly 130 veterans organizations across 41 states that are well run, smaller and typically under-funded.

"Operation Hat Trick's generous support has had a profound impact on CreatiVets and the veterans we serve. Through their dedicated funding, we have been able to expand our programs, reach more wounded veterans, and provide them with life-changing opportunities for healing through the arts and music,” said Richard Casper, Co-Founder and Executive Director of CreatiVets. “The partnership with Operation Hat Trick has allowed us to enhance our resources, develop innovative initiatives, and deliver impactful experiences that empower our veterans to find their voices, express their emotions, and reclaim their lives. Their commitment to our cause has been instrumental in helping us create a lasting positive impact on the lives of our nation's heroes. We are immensely grateful to Operation Hat Trick for their unwavering support, which has made a tangible difference in the well-being and resilience of our wounded veterans."

Consumer demand has continued to increase tremendously thanks to OHT’s one-of-a-kind partnership with Fanatics and Colosseum Athletics.

“Fanatics is thrilled to play a part in Operation Hat Trick’s mission of generating awareness and support for the recovery of wounded service members and veterans. We offer OHT co-branded apparel for more than 125 universities and actively promote those products and, subsequently, OHT’s mission to millions of fans that visit our network of e-commerce sites and on-campus retail operations around the country,” said Mike Carlton, Fanatics Director of Partner Development.

“Colosseum is honored to partner with Operation Hat Trick in apparel and headwear,” said John Pfeifer, Executive Vice President at Colosseum. “This continues to be a strong partnership, allowing us to bring a unique design and story to market with our retail partners, schools, and OHT to offer a purchase with a purpose. Helping our Veterans and their families, who have given up so much to protect us and our freedom - we are honored to help support them.”

“It is an absolute privilege to be partnered with Operation Hat Trick,” said Kim Holtz, President of Great American Products. “We are a veteran owned company that employs former active service men and women. We fully realize all of their commitments and sacrifices, and we are honored to be able to give back through this wonderful organization.”

Operation Hat Trick is recognized by GuideStar as a Platinum seal of transparency organization for its responsible stewardship (https:/learn.guidestar.org/platinum). The rating puts OHT in the top 0.1% of charities nationally in terms of transparency. OHT also just recently received its first designation by Charity Navigator, another organization that accepts only those nonprofit organizations that meet the highest standards of responsibility. Dedicated to Nate Hardy and Mike Koch, two Navy SEALs who were killed in Iraq in 2008 and are buried side by side at Arlington National Cemetery, OHT never forgets their sacrifice.

Support and learn more about Operation Hat Trick by visiting: operationhattrick.org.

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