In a continued show of support to all the local heroes who keep us safe, Bojangles presented a check for $563,311 to Folds of Honor, a national non-profit dedicated to providing academic scholarships to families of fallen or disabled service members and first responders, during the Southern food chain’s franchise convention at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in Orlando.
Folds of Honor representatives Sarah Duncan and Ben Leslie were onsite to accept the donation, along with scholarship recipient and Orlando native, Ashlyn McCain, who recently graduated from the University of Central Florida after her father was killed in active duty. This year’s check was presented by country music star Lee Brice, who has been a longtime supporter of this important cause.
“Thanks to friends like Bojangles, Folds of Honor continues to serve the families of those who protect our country and communities,” said Ben Leslie, the non-profit’s Chief Development Officer. “The connection we made with Bojangles three years ago has only grown stronger with each passing year, and we look forward to continuing a relationship of impactful work together in the future. Bojangles and its customers are committed to making a positive impact with a life-changing education.”
The donation is the result of the generosity of Bojangles’ loyal customers throughout the year. Among the fundraising efforts are the Folds of Honor-themed Big Bo Box, which returned for its third year in 2023. Bojangles directed $1 from the sale of each limited-edition, Star-Spangled Big Bo Box to Folds of Honor, and also invited customers to participate in a Round Up Campaign at select restaurants, enabling guests to round their ticket of any purchase to the nearest dollar, with proceeds going toward the greater Folds of Honor donation.
“While we are proud of our donation to Folds of Honor, there is no way we can adequately express our gratitude for the sacrifices our veterans and first responders and their families have made,” said Ken Reynolds, Executive Director of the Bojangles Foundation. “It’s clear our customers feel the same way based on the proceeds we were able to raise. We are thrilled to serve as a conduit for this amazing organization that is truly making a difference in the lives of our communities’ heroes.”
Since 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded about 44,000 scholarships totaling about $200 million in all 50 states. Since the brand’s partnership began in 2021, Bojangles has raised more than $1.8 million to help countless veterans’ family members achieve their goals of an education and now will be able to benefit the families of first responders as well.