The Arlington Basket immediately looks both to the past and the future. 
Making its debut on a May day set aside to remember the children of fallen patriots, The Arlington Basket is a partnership between Dresden & Company and the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. A portion of the proceeds of every basket and protector set and lid sold will go to the foundation to continue its work in providing college educations and counseling to those left behind.
The American-made basket is woven by artisans of Ohio-based Dresden & Company, a direct sales company focused on American craftsmanship and its mission of “Life Made Better.” It is designed to be used in the home in a number of ways.
The Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is marking its 20th year of serving the families of service members from all branches of the armed forces who have died from combat casualties, military training accidents, service-related illnesses, suicides, as well as other duty-related deaths as ruled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The basket evokes the hallowed ground of Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where white marble headstones rise over a lawn of green. D&Co. basket designers used the colors of green and white on the outside of the rectangular basket and added patriotic colors of red, white and blue on the inside. A solid wood lid carries a laser-engraved Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation logo. The basket comes in a box that carries the foundation’s logo on it.
“We are so grateful to Dresden & Company and its customers for going above and beyond to serve families of fallen service members,” said Chris Heffernan, president of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. “With their generous support, Children of Fallen Patriots is able to continue supporting students by providing scholarships toward their academic and vocational studies.”
The basket is Dresden & Company’s first philanthropic fundraising effort.
“Community support is at the heart of our story and as a family it is important for us to lift up those in need, especially the families who have lost a loved one who has fought for our freedom,” said Dresden & Company Founder Jim Lepi.
The D&Co. Family, which includes the home team and individual Proprietors throughout the country, will give the foundation $10 for every Basket and Protector Set sold and $6.60 for every lid sold. Contact your D&Co. Proprietor or visit our website to purchase The Arlington Basket Set and Lid. The basket is now part of D&Co.’s Everyday Line.
“When thinking about how to honor our fallen patriots around Memorial Day, it was important to me for the basket to be emblematic of what the true purpose of this holiday is,” said Ryan Lepi, a veteran and D&Co.’s Director of Systems. “We wanted it to be respectful and impactful, and beautiful. I think this basket meets all those goals and more.”
The foundation’s mission includes ensuring that every child of a fallen patriot receives all the college funding they need.
“We believe this is an important investment in the future of America,” the foundation said. And “one of the best ways we can honor those who died defending our country.”
Looking both to the past and the future.
