The iWarriors iPad program has changed hands, transferring to STAR Charities, a registered 501C-3 non-profit entity, which took over operations on December 1, 2019.
iWarriors was founded in 2011 by Kim and Tim Bartz. The program provides tablet computer gift packages to combat wounded service members for use as a rehabilitation and recovery tool. It has outfitted over 900 service members with fully loaded and customized devices. With retirement approaching, the Bartzs were thrilled when approached by Don and Glenn Starkey of Progressive Components and STAR Charities, with interest to carry on the program.
“We are confident STAR Charities will carry on what we started in 2011,” states Kim. “Don and Glenn not only understand what this program means to Tim and me, but also what these men and women mean to us. These warriors have sacrificed so much, including their health, so that we may enjoy our many freedoms every day. As our motto states, ‘They gave their all, let’s give some back.’ We owe our wounded heroes a helping hand, an essential tool in the treatment of traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress, as well as a means to communicate with loved ones and battle buddies”.
“None of this would have been possible without the tremendous support of members and partners of the American Mold Builders Association,” adds Kim. “This group has such a huge heart, and they have the utmost respect and gratitude for our military. Many have gone above and beyond to raise funds for the program by holding events, and for that we are grateful. I have no doubt this support will continue with the new team at the helm and being so active in the AMBA”.
“We’ve seen the Bartzs’ dedication firsthand, not only through AMBA activities but also through our i-Sledders charity snowmobile ride that we organized in 2015,” states Don Starkey. Assisted with the transition by industry colleagues Jacob Niggemann and Erick Robbins, Starkey adds “our team is honored to help our heroes in need by taking up the torch that the Bartzs initiated.”
Look for 2020 to have a continuation of golf outings, charity runs, and raffles to raise funds for this cause, through the generosity and camaraderie of mold builders as well as those in the general public.
STAR Charities, founded in 2003 by Progressive Components, is a volunteer-run organization, allowing net revenues raised to go directly to the charity. In its home community of Wauconda, Illinois, STAR is well known for organizing events such as the Wauconda Turkey Trot, Wauconda Bunny Hop, Shamrock the Block, annual Coat Drive for homeless vets and families in needs, along with various local and national causes.
For additional information, contact STAR Charities at star@procomps.com, or call 1-847-487-1000 / 1-800-269-6653. To keep up to date with STAR activities, like their page on Facebook at facebook.com/STARCharities.