Chick-fil-A Foundation Awards $1.23 million through the 2018 True Inspiration Awards

ATLANTA, Nov. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chick-fil-A® Foundation is honored to announce the recipients of the organization's 2018 True Inspiration Awards. The 23 deserving not-for-profits, which represent 13 states throughout the country, are receiving a combined $1.23 million in grants to further their work fostering leadership and entrepreneurial spirit in children. The fourth annual Chick-fil-A Foundation's True Inspiration Awards honor local organizations across the country who are working hard to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and youth in their communities.

The Path Project, a local education-focused initiative has been named this year's S. Truett Cathy Honoree. The S. Truett Cathy Honoree is awarded a $100,000 grant, and it recognizes an organization that embodies the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of Chick-fil-A's late founder. Founded by husband and wife Jim and Melinda Hollandsworth, the Path Project empowers children growing up in mobile home parks to find their path to high school graduation and beyond. The Path Project operates community centers, involving parents, schools, churches, park owners and local businesses in their mission.

Now in its fourth year, the True Inspiration Awards were created to carry on S. Truett Cathy's legacy of generosity, community service, and dedication to inspiring children to become future leaders. The grants range from $20,000 to $100,000. Organizations can either apply for an award directly or receive a nomination from a local Chick-fil-A restaurant franchisee based on the group's local work.

In addition to Path Project, the other 22 winning organizations range from The Lake Avenue Foundation in Pasadena, California, to New City Kids, Inc. in Jersey City, New Jersey, spanning 13 states and 16 cities.

"These organizations are changing lives in communities across the U.S., but don't always get the recognition they need and deserve," says Rodney Bullard, vice president of Community Affairs for Chick-fil-A, Inc., and executive director of the Chick-fil-A Foundation. "Through the True Inspiration Awards, we seek to reach community organizations and help them extend their impact. The Chick-fil-A Foundation exists to help every child reach their full potential, and that's exactly what these organizations are working to do."

The True Inspiration Awards are one way the Chick-fil-A Foundation is fulfilling its mission to have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A. The Chick-fil-A Foundation will award the 23 winning organizations at the fourth annual True Inspiration Awards celebration in Atlanta next spring. The True Inspiration Awards are the Chick-fil-A Foundation's central grant-giving platform. The Foundation reviews and distributes additional grant requests on a quarterly basis.

To learn more about the True Inspiration Awards and view a complete list of recipients, visit www.chick-fil-afoundation.org/true-inspiration-awards.

About the Chick-fil-A® Foundation
The Chick-fil-A® Foundation is the corporate foundation of Chick-fil-A, Inc. A not-for-profit organization, the Foundation's purpose is to lead the company's commitment to support youth and education in Chick-fil-A's local communities. The Foundation's work is focused on developing and educating young people so they can build a positive legacy and become all they were created to be. For more information, visit www.chick-fil-afoundation.org

About Chick-fil-A, Inc. 
Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Inc. is a family owned and privately held restaurant company founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy. Devoted to serving the local communities in which its franchised restaurants operate, and known for its original chicken sandwich, Chick-fil-A serves freshly prepared food in more than 2,200 restaurants in 47 states and Washington, D.C.

Chick-fil-A system sales reached nearly $8 billion in 2016, which marks 49 consecutive years of sales growth. In 2017, Chick-fil-A received the top score among fast food brands and one of the top 10 scores overall for customer experience in the Temkin Experience Ratings survey, and the company's internship program was ranked #13 in career website WayUp's survey of the top 100 best summer internships. In 2016, Chick-fil-A was named the Technomic Consumer's Choice for "providing value through service," named the "the most polite restaurant in the country" in QSR Magazine's annual drive-thru report and was the only restaurant brand named to the Top 10 "Best Companies to Work For" by 24/7 Wall Street. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.com.

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SOURCE Chick-fil-A, Inc.