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Displaying your commitment to family

Displaying your commitment to family

New ring from QALO supports NFFF
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Thin-Red-line

Ted Baker and KC Holiday are passionate about three elements in their lives: their wives and children, work and athletics. They have found that maintaining a balance between all three is the essence to a fulfilling life.

In this quest for life balance, they hit a few bumps. “I love to play golf, basketball and rock climb, and I enjoy working outdoors. I also love my wife and am proud to wear my wedding ring. But it kept getting in the way,” explains Baker. “I damaged and lost my ring and even stopped wearing it, which made both my wife and me feel bad. KC also had similar experiences so we figured there had to be a solution.”

Wanting to honor their marriages and maintain their active lifestyles, they designed a simple, functional and stylish silicon ring. Their new symbol of commitment piqued the interests of other friends, teammates and colleagues. Their new business QALO – which stands for Quality, Athletics, Love and Outdoors – was formed. They created collections of special silicon rings and other accessories to reflect these four values.

Through personal and professional friendships, Baker and Holiday realized that firefighters and others who work in physically demanding jobs face similar obstacles. A ring can be uncomfortable while wearing protective gloves or get in the way of gear. Wearing a ring can also lead to serious injuries if it gets caught on equipment or debris. So they’ve created a special Thin Red Line ring as well as a T shirt featuring the phrase “Commitment is Courageous” for firefighters.

“The Thin Red Line ring helps reduce the risks of injury while allowing firefighters to display their commitment to their spouse in a unique and attractive way,” says Holliday. “And the firefighter’s spouse can wear one, too and show their pride in their firefighter and devotion to their marriage.”

Both Baker and Holiday also are devoted to giving back and supporting organizations that aim to improve life for others. In appreciation for the dedication firefighters and their families offer to their communities and to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, QALO will donate 10 percent of the sales from The Thin Red Line rings to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

“Our nation’s firefighters provide comfort and reassurance when everything seems bleak. They selflessly respond in time of crisis to save another human and protect property. They give so much and we felt this was a way we could give back,” says Baker.

The United States Congress created the NFFF to lead a nationwide effort to remember America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes and assist their families and coworkers. The NFFF also works closely with the fire service to help prevent and reduce line-of- duty deaths and injuries.

“We were very pleased when Ted and KC reached out to us. Their commitment to finding a balance in work, family and fun is also a priority to fire service families,” explained Chief Ron Siarnicki, executive director of the NFFF. “Unpredictable schedules, physical and emotional demands, and concerns about health and well-being all take a toll on a firefighter’s family. It’s great to know a company like QALO appreciates that need for balance and wants to support our efforts.”

The Red Line rings costs $24.99 plus shipping. To order yours and to learn more about QALO and their products visit their website, www.qalo.com.