Blog

L to R – Stephen Jamison, ‘Red’ Whittington and Paul Madden, some of the original ‘Iron Men of Metz’ and now Knights of the French ‘National Order of the Legion of Honor’, meet up again at their 68th annual reunion held in Kansas City, MO, in September 2017.

For over a decade, thousands of people have been participating in Challenge Walk MS. This unique experience offers participants the chance to embrace a personal challenge of spirit and strength, while making an important difference in the lives of people with MS. Challenge Walk MS takes place in Savannah, GA; Cambridge, MD; St. Louis, MO; San Diego, CA; Green Lake, WI; and Cape Cod, MA, and most events are 50 miles over three days. This endurance walk is dedicated to fundraising for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, with a minimum fundraising level for each walk.

At Carrot-Top, one of the things we’re proudest of is being able to help communities with their town parks and memorials. Recently, we were able to do just that with Tyler Park in Dunn, NC.

Flags Across the Nation is a uniquely American organization that demonstrates the true colors of our nation’s heart at work and in action. Established days after the polarizing terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Flags Across the Nation promotes patriotism through the soothing and comforting power of art. Part of the organization’s vision is to make “a creative and patriotic difference in the lives of our children, our military and our veterans” and its efforts work to bring that vision to fruition. Run and operated solely by volunteers and completely funded through donations and in-kind gifts, Flags Across the Nation creates opportunities and events where children and soldiers may make patriotic expressions that offer support and bring about healing for our nation’s wounded warriors.

The Rothschild Leadership Academy (RLA) is training tomorrow’s leaders today. Nestled in Muscogee County, Georgia which sits on the state line that Georgia shares with Alabama, RLA uses leadership as the avenue to connect students and build communities. Like so many other towns, cities and counties around our nation, The Muscogee County School District, parents and other concerned citizens are partnering to provide students both the skills and the confidence needed to survive and succeed in our ever-evolving world. This distinctly American school district is committed to building a better and brighter future for its children and our country. The Rothschild Leadership Academy is a place where academics, athletics, leadership and character are all highlighted and combined in an effort to empower middle school-aged children. One goal of the Academy is to equip students with the ability and discipline needed to attain excellence in both their professional careers and in their personal lives. The Academy’s mission statement outlines the school’s commitment to “provide educational experiences that will enable each student to become a lifelong learner, enter the work force with necessary skills and achieve academic and personal potential.”

The Fan behind the Costume

When a volunteer fire department was first organized in Wake Forest in 1922, no one gave any thought to having a fire department flag. However, over 90 years later, that volunteer unit has become the Wake Forest Fire Department, serving the town and surrounding rural populations with four fire stations. To celebrate and commemorate their rich history, they approached us to design and produce their first ever fire department flag, to be carried by their honor guard. At Carrot-Top Industries, we take the responsibility of creating a flag very seriously and we wanted to honor the sacrifice members of the Wake Forest Fire Department make to their community with a flag they would be proud of.

The 25th Annual Bike MS: Historic New Bern Ride took place the 7th and 8th of September and we had the honor of being a sponsor. Currently, multiple sclerosis (or MS) is thought to affect more than 2.1 million people worldwide. Fundraising generated from the ride goes to research and programs for people with MS. With over 2000 cyclists, ages twelve and up, the beautiful waterfront location featured flat landscape and miles of rural roads. This cause offered an amazing experience for even the beginner to participate. Racing began at 8 am in Union Point Park on Saturday and Sunday with a choice of 30, 50, 75 or 100 mile routes including rest stops, medics, mechanics and support. We were excited to be a part of this annual event and contribute to its success as they fight to find a cure.

***UPDATE*** The town of Egremont in Massachusetts sent a flag to Wirral to be flown and announce the forthcoming Egremont Festival in Wallasey. Check out this video and article!

At Carrot-Top Industries, we’re lucky to work with amazing customers and we're honored to hear so many inspirational stories from them every day. Here is the story of Senior Airman Mark Forester and the custom work his mother, Pat Forester, had made to honor him.

Sammy Ballard, second year Assistant Varsity Softball coach for Eastern Alamance High School, knew where to go when he wanted to put the finishing touches on their new softball field. At the end of January, Sammy stopped by our Hillsborough, NC headquarters and was greeted by none other than our own Tabetha, featured in our March Employee Spotlight!

This song was sent to us by one of our customers, Dianne Baker. Inspiration for this song came from her father, Lloyd C. Maynard a WWI veteran and his strong love and dedication to the USA. We put together this photomontage to accompany her patriotic song. "Red, White and Blue...Fly 'Em Proud, Fly 'Em High". Music and Lyrics are available at Dianne Bakers website, www.songsalive.com