Mooresville, NC – On Thursday, April 24, the Oliver Patch Project will participate in a special event at Richard’s Coffee Shop, bringing awareness to children with cancer.
Oliver Burkhardt, a 13-year-old cancer survivor and Chief Patch Officer, along with his father, Brian Burkhardt, founder of the Oliver Patch Project, will be featured guests at Richard’s Coffee Shop in Mooresville. Together, they will unveil two patch boards for their “Warrior to Warrior” program.
All of the patches on display have been donated by U.S. veterans and will be given to children currently battling cancer.
Oliver will share his personal story, along with the inspiring history of the national nonprofit organization that provides hope and encouragement to children and their families.
The Oliver Patch Project gives children with cancer a denim jacket or tote bag and a selection of patches to express their personality — all free of charge. (See attached photos.)
To date, the Oliver Patch Project has reached over 1,400 young warriors in all 50 states and in more than 250 hospitals nationwide.
EVENT DETAILS
WHAT: Calling All Warriors! Oliver Patch Project at Richard’s Coffee Shop
WHY: To show love and support to families of children with cancer
WHO:
- Oliver Burkhardt, Chief Patch Officer, Oliver Patch Project
- Brian Burkhardt, Founder, Oliver Patch Project
WHEN: Thursday, April 24
TIME: 10:30 AM to 12:00 Noon
WHERE: Richard’s Coffee Shop (Coffee Shop and Military Museum)
165 N. Main Street, Mooresville, NC
About the Oliver Patch Project
In May 2020, 9-year-old Oliver Burkhardt was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.), a devastating moment for the family. Within weeks, friends and family asked, “What can we do for Oliver?”
The answer: Send Oliver a patch!
Oliver’s father, Brian, made a post on Facebook—and on June 24, 2020, Oliver received his first patch, a kangaroo from a stranger’s trip to Australia. At first, the mail trickled in… then it poured.
Soon, their mail carrier was delivering bins of envelopes. Oliver was ecstatic. He opened each one and personally sent a thank-you note or text in response. Within a month, over 2,000 patches had arrived—and they kept coming.
Oliver then told his family, “I want to make patches for other kids just like me.” By May 2021, the Oliver Patch Project was born and officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Brian eventually left his full-time job as a creative director to dedicate himself fully to the organization.
What Does the Oliver Patch Project Do?
The project provides denim jackets or tote bags, along with a collection of fun and meaningful patches, to children with cancer—free of charge. Each child, or “warrior,” selects their own items and patches to reflect their personality.
To date, the program has supported over 1,400 warriors across all 50 states and in more than 250 hospitals. It is funded entirely by private donations, family foundations, corporate sponsors, and charitable organizations.
Learn more: www.oliverpatchproject.org
About Richard’s Coffee Shop
Richard’s Coffee Shop is much more than just a coffee shop. It’s a living military museum dedicated to honoring America’s veterans, active-duty personnel, and emergency responders. Many of the veterans who visit played a role in the history represented by the artifacts and memorabilia displayed.
Weekly Events Include:
- Thursdays: Free coffee and fellowship for veterans
- Saturdays: Open Music Jam Session—open to all!
Founded in 1995 by Richard Warren, the coffee shop’s mission continues through volunteers and a nonprofit board who provide a space to gather and offer support to veterans and their families.
Hours:
Coffee Shop, Museum & Gift Shop: Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
Kitchen: Tuesday–Saturday, 8:00 AM–12:30 PM
