Holiday Express Teams Up with Jersey Mike’s Subs to Support “Wreaths Across America”

Volunteers Perform for Military Members, Honored Guests, and Visitors on the Battleship New Jersey

The calendar had not have yet turned the page to July – let alone December – and the setting was certainly unique, but the combination of a warm summer day and warm holiday spirit merged perfectly to create magic at a recent performance by the volunteer organization Holiday Express.

On Sunday, June 3, 2012, Holiday Express musicians and “elves” joined forces with a team of volunteers from Jersey Mike’s Subs at a very special event held on the majestic Battleship New Jersey, which is docked on the waterfront in Camden, NJ. It was all part of the third annual “Christmas in July” program being launched the following month by Jersey Mike’s Subs. The initiative helps support Wreaths Across America, a non-profit organization that lays thousands of wreaths at the graves of the nation’s veterans on National Wreaths Across America Day each December and whose mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach our children the value of freedom. 

Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO Peter Cancro, who has been recognized both personally and professionally for his philanthropic generosity to many worthy causes, is a proud supporter of Wreaths Across America – as well as a longtime sponsor of Holiday Express, whose mission is to deliver music, food, gifts, financial support, and friendship to those with the greatest need for the gift of human kindness during the holiday season and the throughout the year.

Holiday Express founder Tim McLoone, another renowned philanthropic giant, explained that, over the course of many years, Jersey Mike’s has donated thousands upon thousands of sub sandwiches and other food items to audiences at countless Holiday Express events. It was only natural, then, that when Mr. Cancro and his volunteer team invited Mr. McLoone and his own helpers to come onboard the Battleship New Jersey to entertain the troops, their families, and invited dignitaries, it would be “all hands on deck!”

The result was military merriment, as visitors were greeted warmly by volunteers as they boarded the ship, served a complimentary Jersey Mike’s lunch, and treated to the kind of enthusiastic musical entertainment that only Holiday Express can provide. Santa and The Grinch both reported for duty, as well, and made their way among the crowd to meet and greet as other volunteers took turns dancing with veterans and active service men and women. There were also featured performances by country singer Corey Wagar, Broadway star Mary D’Arcy, The Liberty Bells, and the 63rd Army Band. Cloudy skies and passing rain had threatened at times throughout the muggy day, although the sun came out, right on cue, as Holiday Express took the stage.

There were somber moments, too, as the audience stood in silence to pay their respect to the honor guard that carried the American flag and observed as a memorial wreath was sent off the side of the ship to the water below, in remembrance of fallen veterans. 

Weeks later, at another special gathering held at McLoone’s Supper Club in Asbury Park, NJ for many Holiday Express and Jersey Mike’s volunteers, Peter Cancro presented a preview of the ten-minute video that had been filmed at the “Christmas in July” event. The video would be aired at over 500 Jersey Mike’s locations during a nationwide month-long promotion in July, urging patrons to donate to Wreaths Across America, with contributions matched by the company.