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ValorBands / Wearable Gratitude™

ValorBands are hand-crafted bracelets and wrist cuffs made from authentic, donated military uniforms.

$2,844
pledged of$2,800 goal
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Project Description

FASHION + PHILANTHROPY = VALORBANDS

ValorBands are hand-crafted bracelets and wrist cuffs made from authentic, donated military uniforms.

FASHION + PHILANTHROPY = VALORBANDS ValorBands are hand-crafted bracelets and wrist cuffs made from authentic, donated military uniforms. They give Americans the opportunity to show their gratitude for military past and present by owning a piece of the service member’s history.

Every ValorBand acts as a patriotic reminder that freedom isn’t free. It is a tangible, visual and fashionable way to say thank you and show gratitude for military both past and present.

Because of the textiles we use, every ValorBand is unique, beautifully flawed and one-of-a-kind. More importantly, each ValorBand becomes a discussion piece, allowing its wearer to be the narrator of the donor’s story, ensuring that his/her service, sacrifice, and life live on long after they retire their boots.

Each ValorBand product directly supports veterans’ services, including job training and employment for at-risk and transitioning veterans.

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ValorBands are made by Marine Corps mom Amy Cotta as a way to feel connected to her enlisted son Tyler and show support and gratitude for him and other military veterans. Watch the video above to hear Amy’s story.
 

 

Look Who's Wearing Their Gratitude?

 
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“My ValorBand reminds me of the sacrifice that men and women make daily to ensure that I’m Free. There is something rally cool about wearing this band and knowing that I’m wearing a part of someone’s history.” — Angela Goode
 
 
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ValorBands was featured on Fox News for our commitment to helping veterans. Watch HERE!
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How you can help

1.  Be a ValorBand Ambassador by donating at a level without receiving products. You can choose to support at the $10 level, or at a custom level you choose. With this type of support, 100% of your donation goes to supporting our veterans’ projects, products, and goals.
 
Your name will be listed on ValorBands.com as a ValorBand ambassador and you will receive a shareable ambassador badge.
 
ValorBand Wearables - fashionably show your support of America’s military. Donate at the $25, $40, $100 or $125 level and receive your own personal ValorBand product. The $100 option is the most popular and allows you to choose your own design.
 
Your ValorBand Comes With A Certificate Of Authenticity Which Includes The Uniform's Donor’s Name, Rank, Branch And Years Served + Your Name On ValorBands.Com As A ValorBands Ambassador - With Shareable Ambassador Badge.
 
 
 
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Become a Sponsor at the $300, $500 or $750 level to provide job training, industrial sewing machines, and website makeover.
 
 
2. Rally the Troops - There’s an old saying it takes a village, in our case, it’s an Army. Please consider joining the ValorBands Army. Follow us on FaceBook, Twitter, and Instagram @ValorBands. Share our funding campaign with everyone you know and ask them to contribute as well.
 
3. What to do next: Click on the photos links below to download shareable social media posts, and customizable email template to share with your family, friends, and contacts. We can’t do it without you. Thank you in advance for joining my Army and rallying the troops!
 

 

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How Funding Will Be Used

We are raising money on iFundWomen, so we can put the people, processes, and equipment in place needed to scale our business and increase our product offerings.

How the funding will be used:

  • Buildout online store
  • Automation
  • Trademarks
  • Commercial equipment
  • Larger workspace

We also need to fund a contract-based workforce, including:

  • Pattern maker
  • Job training (industrial sewing) for veterans making our products It is our belief that no veteran should ever be without a job
 

The Vision for the Future Wearable Gratitude™

Vision Statement

Build a deeper connection and closing the gap between civilians and veterans by developing ValorBands, into ValorBRANDS.

As we scale, we expand upon our current offerings to include purses/bags, military brass shell casings accessories, and one-of-a-kind refashioned and deconstructed jackets made from authentic, repurposed military surplus.

Fashion with Purpose

Continue to make a meaningful impact on our military and veteran community by training and hiring a work staff of transitioning and at-risk veterans to make our products. Continue to give 20% of proceeds to Medals of Honor and other worthy military nonprofits and outreaches.

 

 Our Commitment:

 

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UPCYCLING

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. On average each American throws away roughly 70 lbs of clothing and textiles per year. We recycle and repurpose donated uniforms including their buttons and patches.

 
 

 

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MADE IN THE USA

Today less than 3% of all apparel worn in the US is Made in America. ValorBands are proudly handcrafted Tennessee by the mother of a United States Marine. 

 

 

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GIVE BACK

We proudly exist to help bridge the gap between military service members and civilians, in doing so we donate 20% of all proceeds to fund the mission of Medals of Honor.

 

 

 

The Nonprofit We Support

Medals of Honor is a national military 501c3 nonprofit based in Franklin Tennessee.

HONOR -- Fallen Men and Women of the United States Military and bring comfort to their families.
HEAL -- The visible and invisible wounds of war through endurance sports and fitness.
CONNECT -- Bridge the gap between Veterans, Active Duty, Surviving Families, and Civilians so that no service or sacrifice goes forgotten.

Medals of Honor gives the endurance/race community a tangible way to thank and give back to the families that lost loved ones while serving our Military. Through Medals of Honor, racers can compete in honor of a fallen U.S. service member and donate their personal finisher's medal to the surviving family. Our Enduring Heroes program funds potential athletes who are also Active Duty Military, Veterans or Surviving family members so they can compete in endurance sports as a method of healing, and as a means to honor a loved one, fallen teammate, or someone they’ve never met. Medals of Honor helps cover the cost of entry fees, coaching, equipment and travel expenses for these American VIPs!

Updates

The Campaign FAQs

iFundWomen is what's considered Flexible Funding which means ValorBands get's to keep whatever we raise, even if we don't make your goal.

Your rewards will ship within 6-8 weeks of the close of our campaign. We will release updates during and after our campaign to keep you informed of our success and shipping of your rewards.

Please follow us on social media and share us with your friends.

01/31/2018
Lt Colonel (Sm/Med)
$40
05/01/2017
Monetary Contribution With No Reward
$45
04/10/2017
Monetary Contribution With No Reward
$25
04/05/2017
Monetary Contribution With No Reward
$25
04/05/2017
Lt Colonel (Sm/Med)
$40
04/04/2017
Monetary Contribution With No Reward
$50
03/31/2017
Monetary Contribution With No Reward
$20
03/31/2017
Lt Colonel (Med/Lg)
$40
03/28/2017
Lt Colonel (Sm/Med)
$40
03/28/2017
Lt Colonel (Med/Lg)
$40
Monetary Contribution With No Reward
24 Supporters
Select this reward
10.00 USD
Wearable Gratitude Ambassador

I already know you’re amazing by supporting my vision of Wearable Gratitude, but I’m going to tell the world how wonderful you are by listing your name on ValorBands.com as a ValorBands Ambassador - with shareable Ambassador badge.

0 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Captain

Rectangular Metal & Woven Belt Keychain with laser engraved ValorBand logo + your name on ValorBands.com as a ValorBands Ambassador - with shareable Ambassador badge.

1 Supporter
Select this reward
30.00 USD
Major

16oz Stainless Steel Insulated Travel Mug with ValorBrand logo + your name on ValorBands.com as a ValorBands Ambassador - with shareable Ambassador badge.

1 Supporter
Select this reward
40.00 USD
Lt Colonel (Sm/Med)

Limited edition ValorBand (sm/med -- will fit most average sized female wrists) Once these are gone, that’s it they’re gone..! These original, handmade ValorBands are crafted using only authentic, donated military uniforms. Each ValorBand is unique in design, and most have adjustable Velcro closures. Your Valor Band will come with a Certificate of Authenticity which includes the uniform's donor’s name, rank, branch and years served + your name on ValorBands.com as a ValorBands Ambassador - with shareable Ambassador badge.

138 Left
5 Supporters
Select this reward
40.00 USD
Lt Colonel (Med/Lg)

Limited edition ValorBand (Med/LG -- will fit most larger wrists and average male wrists) These original, handmade ValorBands are crafted using only authentic, donated military uniforms. Each ValorBand is unique in design, and most have adjustable Velcro closures. Your Valor Band will come with a Certificate of Authenticity which includes the uniform's donor’s name, rank, branch and years served + your name on ValorBands.com as a ValorBands Ambassador - with shareable Ambassador badge.

45 Left
4 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Colonel

An “OMG Cool” Black Insulated XL Shopping Bag with ValorBands logo, made from recycled materials. This is NOT your momma's lame shopping bag; it's hip and stylish. Large enough to do bulk shopping, pack a picnic or barbecue, and much more + your name on ValorBands.com as a ValorBands Ambassador - with shareable Ambassador badge.

50 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
1-Star General

You will receive a limited edition ValorBands printed t-shirt made with luxurious super soft cotton, super cool + your name on ValorBands.com as a ValorBands Ambassador - with shareable Ambassador badge.

75 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
2-Star General

A handcrafted, custom ValorBand for you or someone you love based on your design preference(s). Your ValorBand comes with a Certificate of Authenticity which includes the uniform's donor’s name, rank, branch and years served + your name on ValorBands.com as a ValorBands Ambassador - with shareable Ambassador badge.

10 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
300.00 USD
3-Star General

Impact Sponsor: You are sponsoring job training at the Nashville Sewing Academy for a veteran. With your support, ValorBands will pay for the veteran to attend school and will allow us to give them contract employment while they hone their sewing skills. We will proudly display your name or company's logo (with link) on our front page for one full calendar year. Your name and or logo displayed on our ValorBands standing banner as our Veteran’s Sponsor, used at our markets. With this level of support, you can take pride in knowing you are making a meaningful impact in the lives of our veterans.

4 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
500.00 USD
4-Star General

Equipment Sponsor: Your generosity will provide us with the heavy-duty industrial sewing machine, for our veterans to construct or bags and jackets. It will allow me to purchase a sewing machine and gift it to the veteran(s) for use at home to polish his/her sewing skills and provide the opportunity for outside jobs. We will proudly display your name or company's logo (with link) on our front page as our equipment sponsor for one full calendar year. Your name and or logo displayed on our ValorBands standing banner as our Equipment Sponsor, used at our markets. With this level of support, you can take pride in knowing you are making a meaningful impact in the lives of our veterans.

2 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
750.00 USD
5-Star General

Vision sponsor: Your generosity will be the building blocks of our “Wearable Gratitude” movement. With your help, we will be able to rebuild our online store, and we will be able to contract a pattern maker to bring our designs to life. We will proudly display your name or company's logo (with link) on our front page as our Founding Vision Sponsor for one full calendar year. Your name and or logo displayed on our ValorBands standing banner as our Vision sponsor, used at our markets. With this level of support, you can take pride in knowing you are making a meaningful impact in the lives of our veterans.

2 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
125.00 USD
ValorTote Bag

A large, one-of-a-kind tote bag made from retired donated military uniforms.

7 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Nashville, TN
Created 1 Campaign
Lifestyle
Social Good

Rewards

Monetary Contribution With No Reward
24 Supporters
Select this reward
10.00 USD
Wearable Gratitude Ambassador

I already know you’re amazing by supporting my vision of Wearable Gratitude, but I’m going to tell the world how wonderful you are by listing your name on ValorBands.com as a ValorBands Ambassador - with shareable Ambassador badge.

0 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Captain

Rectangular Metal & Woven Belt Keychain with laser engraved ValorBand logo + your name on ValorBands.com as a ValorBands Ambassador - with shareable Ambassador badge.

1 Supporter
Select this reward
30.00 USD
Major

16oz Stainless Steel Insulated Travel Mug with ValorBrand logo + your name on ValorBands.com as a ValorBands Ambassador - with shareable Ambassador badge.

1 Supporter
Select this reward
40.00 USD
Lt Colonel (Sm/Med)

Limited edition ValorBand (sm/med -- will fit most average sized female wrists) Once these are gone, that’s it they’re gone..! These original, handmade ValorBands are crafted using only authentic, donated military uniforms. Each ValorBand is unique in design, and most have adjustable Velcro closures. Your Valor Band will come with a Certificate of Authenticity which includes the uniform's donor’s name, rank, branch and years served + your name on ValorBands.com as a ValorBands Ambassador - with shareable Ambassador badge.

138 Left
5 Supporters
Select this reward
40.00 USD
Lt Colonel (Med/Lg)

Limited edition ValorBand (Med/LG -- will fit most larger wrists and average male wrists) These original, handmade ValorBands are crafted using only authentic, donated military uniforms. Each ValorBand is unique in design, and most have adjustable Velcro closures. Your Valor Band will come with a Certificate of Authenticity which includes the uniform's donor’s name, rank, branch and years served + your name on ValorBands.com as a ValorBands Ambassador - with shareable Ambassador badge.

45 Left
4 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Colonel

An “OMG Cool” Black Insulated XL Shopping Bag with ValorBands logo, made from recycled materials. This is NOT your momma's lame shopping bag; it's hip and stylish. Large enough to do bulk shopping, pack a picnic or barbecue, and much more + your name on ValorBands.com as a ValorBands Ambassador - with shareable Ambassador badge.

50 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
1-Star General

You will receive a limited edition ValorBands printed t-shirt made with luxurious super soft cotton, super cool + your name on ValorBands.com as a ValorBands Ambassador - with shareable Ambassador badge.

75 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
2-Star General

A handcrafted, custom ValorBand for you or someone you love based on your design preference(s). Your ValorBand comes with a Certificate of Authenticity which includes the uniform's donor’s name, rank, branch and years served + your name on ValorBands.com as a ValorBands Ambassador - with shareable Ambassador badge.

10 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
300.00 USD
3-Star General

Impact Sponsor: You are sponsoring job training at the Nashville Sewing Academy for a veteran. With your support, ValorBands will pay for the veteran to attend school and will allow us to give them contract employment while they hone their sewing skills. We will proudly display your name or company's logo (with link) on our front page for one full calendar year. Your name and or logo displayed on our ValorBands standing banner as our Veteran’s Sponsor, used at our markets. With this level of support, you can take pride in knowing you are making a meaningful impact in the lives of our veterans.

4 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
500.00 USD
4-Star General

Equipment Sponsor: Your generosity will provide us with the heavy-duty industrial sewing machine, for our veterans to construct or bags and jackets. It will allow me to purchase a sewing machine and gift it to the veteran(s) for use at home to polish his/her sewing skills and provide the opportunity for outside jobs. We will proudly display your name or company's logo (with link) on our front page as our equipment sponsor for one full calendar year. Your name and or logo displayed on our ValorBands standing banner as our Equipment Sponsor, used at our markets. With this level of support, you can take pride in knowing you are making a meaningful impact in the lives of our veterans.

2 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
750.00 USD
5-Star General

Vision sponsor: Your generosity will be the building blocks of our “Wearable Gratitude” movement. With your help, we will be able to rebuild our online store, and we will be able to contract a pattern maker to bring our designs to life. We will proudly display your name or company's logo (with link) on our front page as our Founding Vision Sponsor for one full calendar year. Your name and or logo displayed on our ValorBands standing banner as our Vision sponsor, used at our markets. With this level of support, you can take pride in knowing you are making a meaningful impact in the lives of our veterans.

2 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
125.00 USD
ValorTote Bag

A large, one-of-a-kind tote bag made from retired donated military uniforms.

7 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward