The Hero In You Foundation Honors First Responders and Heroes With R.HERO Sculptures

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwired - Aug 3, 2015) - R.HERO sculptures are popping up all over the United States, as well as internationally. These six-foot-tall Dalmatian puppy sculptures are spreading awareness and a very important message to adults and children alike. The R.HERO sculptures, donated by The Hero In You Foundation, pay tribute to first responders and seek to inspire youth to be heroes in their own lives and communities.

Founded by Bunni and Rick Benaron, The Hero In You Foundation hopes the sculptures, designed by Karen and Tony Barone, will serve as a visual reminder and conversation starter of the sacrifices that firefighters, police officers, paramedics, doctors, nurses and military personnel make daily. To date, there are 24 R.HERO Sculptures across the nation at parks, children's museums, fire stations and children's hospitals, with an additional international placement in El Salvador.

"The R.HERO Sculptures celebrate our local heroes and they pay homage to their service and sacrifice. As families visit the numerous placements around the country, we hope the sculptures will serve as a reminder of the heroes and the good they do across the globe," said Bunni Benaron, founder of The Hero In You Foundation and donor of the R.HERO Sculptures. "But it doesn't stop here, the Foundation wants to encourage younger generations to become heroes and to 'earn their hero spots' by doing heroic deeds for others in their daily lives."

To further encourage a national discussion about the characteristics of a hero, The Hero In You Foundation launched its Earn Your Spots Scholarship. Now, through August 31, 2015, parents, teachers, administrators, coaches and mentors can nominate a youth in their life to receive one of five $500 scholarships by sharing some of the heroic characteristics the child has displayed in their community. Winners will also be connected with their local first responder station to be a hero for a day. Nominations can be submitted online at R-HERO.org.

In addition to the numerous R.HERO Sculptures and the scholarship, The Hero In You Foundation has also developed a children's book, R.HERO: A Dog's Tale, as well as an elementary-age curriculum available to youth at no cost.

To learn more about The Hero In You Foundation and the R.HERO Sculptures please visit www.R-HERO.org or visit the Foundation Facebook and Twitter pages.