Free Throws for Heroes Comes to Barrington Wednesday

Free throws often determine the outcome of basketball games, but now free throws will help pay tribute to our American Military Heroes.

Barrington-based Joe Cantafio, renowned USO musician who has entertained thousands of American and Coalition troops throughout the world, will put down his guitar, pick up a basketball and step up to the free throw line to “make free throws that make a difference” to these brave American heroes.

In partnership with Illinois based non-for-profit organization, The Charity Stripe and its Free Throws For Heroes program, Joe will shoot 100 consecutive free throws on June 6, 2012 at the to raise money for the American Hero Music Festival in Beaver Dam, WI from (September 7-September 9, 2012).

In addition, money raised will also go to the Fallen Heroes scholarship fund at Beaver Dam High School in honor of 3 soldiers from that school, including Joe’s cousin, Lance Corporal Ryan Joseph Cantafio, USMC, who all paid the ultimate price for American freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Last year, this inaugural event raised almost $12,000 and we’re “shooting” for $25,000 this season. Honored guests tentatively scheduled to attend the event on June 6, 2012 (the 68th anniversary of the D-Day invasion) include:

•  Brigadier General William Weir (U.S. Army, Ret)

•  Sgt John Chremka (Among the first soldiers to land on Omaha Beach on D-Day)

•  Sgt. Schule (served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the battle for Iwo Jima)

•  Active duty soldiers from the Chicago Recruiting Battalion and Marines from the 2/24 Batallion Chicago

•  Gold Star Families who have lost loved ones in our Nation’s War On Terror

While Joe is widely known for his musical talents, he’s also a basketball fanatic and very talented free throw shooter, regularly making over 90 percent of his attempts.

“I love performing musically for our troops and their families, but I hope I can have my greatest performance of all by making plenty of free throws to raise money for such an important and worthwhile cause," he said. 

“We’re so honored to team up with Joe on such an inspiring event. In life, it’s all about 'stepping up and taking the shot' to help our military troops and their families and that’s what Free Throws For Heroes is really all about. We hope everyone joins us in wishing Joe 'Best S’Wishes' in knocking down his free throws," Mitch Salzstein, Executive Director of The Charity Stripe said. 

The public as well as businesses and corporations are encouraged to donate a flat amount and/or make a pledge for every free throw Joe makes out of 100. Please visit http://joe.freethrowsforheroes.org/ to help reach the goal of $25,000. Once the goal is met, additional dollars will go to support Welcome Home 2012—Chicago honoring Vietnam Veterans.

For more information, please contact Mitch Salzstein at 847/715-9433 or Joe Cantafio at 847/322-3777