The Inspire Up girls are at it again. This time, they brought a Christmas explosion to the Marines of Camp Lejeune.
Earlier this year, we all took some time to reflect after the gate bombings in Afghanistan. These Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune were among those impacted by immense loss and grief. Thus, this holiday season, the Inspire Up Foundation’s Jessica Manfre, Maria Reed, and Brittany Raines jumped on a plane to bring holiday cheer to the units by providing cuisine and community.
By partnering with AFFN and the Robert Irvine Foundation, they were able to pull together a holiday celebration which blessed so many. On December 6th, AFFN helped to feed over 300 hungry marines with a delicious dessert. Then, the following day, the Robert Irvine Foundation sponsored a special event dinner catered by Mission BBQ. The restaurant even volunteered their staff to serve all the service men and women in attendance.
“As a cook in the Royal Navy, Robert saw first hand how military members would bond over their meals. When he started the Robert Irvine Foundation, it was important for us to incorporate this lesson into our work. We were so honored to sponsor a BBQ dinner through our Breaking Bread with Heroes program to serve over 700 Marines at Camp Lejeune alongside the Inspire Up Foundation. Providing these meals is a way for us to show our nation’s heroes how grateful we are for their service and sacrifice while providing them with a delicious meal to enjoy together”
Judith Otter, President, Robert Irvine Foundation
In addition to all of the tasty treats and sweets shared, Inspire Up partnered with the local Lowe’s to make the environment super special. The team at Inspire Up fully decorated the field house, donated live Christmas trees to the barracks for some holiday cheer, and spread over 200 poinsettia plants all over the installation for everyone to enjoy.
For the team at Inspire Up Foundation, giving back isn’t just a job or a task to be checked off the list. Instead, serving others has become a way of life, the distinctive mark upon their daily routines. We celebrate them, and all who are like them, as we remember the comforting fact that it is more blessed to give than to receive.