Gold Awards: And the Winners Are ...

Other elements include a double-sided, 81⁄2-inch-by-11-inch letter, a BRE and a 71⁄2-inch-by-81⁄2-inch reply with detachable $2.50 check — a move our judges considered both interesting and risky. In the letter, HHV cuts right to the chase, explaining the purpose of the check with stark honesty: “The enclosed $2.50 check is real, but please don’t be mistaken. HHV cannot afford to hand out checks. We need every penny to help ease the pain and loneliness felt by America’s hospitalized and homebound disabled veterans. To be honest, I included a check just to get your attention.”