CMI Honors Veterans Through the American Dream Program
November 12, 2026 | 2 min to read
This Veterans Day, CMI Orchards joined forces with Smith’s Food & Drug through its American Dream® program to support WeUpliftU, a leading local veteran-owned nonprofit. Now in its seventh year, American Dream honors active military members, veterans and their families by pairing premium Washington apples and cherries with patriotic packaging and a commitment to giving back to local communities.
This year’s promotion features KIKU® apples in commemorative America250 packaging, backed by in-store point-of-sale displays at Smith’s stores. The sweetest apple the company grows, KIKU is super-sweet and juicy. It will be available at Smith’s for two weeks in November only.
CMI’s partnership with WeUpliftU began in 2024, when the program raised $7,500 for the organization with an American Dream apple promotion. This year’s Veterans Day promotion will raise $10,000.
The WeUpliftU Foundation serves Utah’s active-duty military, veterans, Davis County first responders and youth education programs. The foundation puts 100 percent of the funds it raises back into its programs.
“American Dream is the perfect winning vehicle, because everyone comes out ahead,” said Rochelle Bohm, vice president of marketing at CMI Orchards. “Shoppers win with KIKU and Smith’s wins with in-store POS, special commemorative America250 packaging and a chance to raise money for a local charity. Most importantly, veterans win, because they benefit from the support and services that organizations like WeUpliftU provide every day.”
As part of the celebration, the company presented Richard Anderson of Smith’s with the American Dream Patriot Award. The award recognizes a retail partner for significant contributions to the American Dream program and support of veterans.
Beyond Utah, the company is taking part in national, regional and local Veterans Day promotions with retailers across the country. Closer to home, it will thank local veterans by attending the Veterans Day celebration at the local American Legion and donating apples to the event.
The company also supports Happy Letters, a program in which children draw letters to bring a smile to people who could use one. The letters go to people who need support or gratitude. This Veterans Day, letters drawn by students will go to veterans to thank them for their service.