Popeyes® Chicken & Biscuits announces partnership with America's Second Harvest
Partnership will aid in alleviating hunger across the country
July 10, 2006 (Atlanta) – Popeyes® Chicken & Biscuits, a division of AFC Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: AFCE), is proud to announce its partnership with America’s Second Harvest – The Nation’s Food Bank Network, the largest charitable hunger-relief organization in the country. Popeyes will initially donate $265,000 to be earmarked for communities across the Gulf Coast in a July 19 ceremony in New Orleans.
The new relationship concludes Popeyes’ search for a national charitable organization dedicated to fighting hunger and enabling Popeyes to facilitate its nationwide contributions. Popeyes found a natural fit with America’s Second Harvest. While ongoing contributions will assist families throughout the U.S., the initial donation will be focused on helping communities still suffering from the effects of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. With the demand for assistance 50 percent higher today than before last year’s hurricane season, Popeyes is hoping this donation will also serve to highlight the region’s ongoing need for help.
“With the assistance of America’s Second Harvest, Popeyes is now better able to help families across the country,” Popeyes President and CEO Ken Keymer said. “As we have helped rebuild the Gulf Coast over the last year, we saw how much need still exists. Popeyes realized the best way to help was to partner with an organization that was on the ground every day and could distribute needed services in the most efficient way possible. We have found a trusted and reputable partner in America’s Second Harvest.” He added, “We wanted to launch our partnership by giving back to the very community that gave us our start – New Orleans. We could not think of a better way to kick off this alliance.”
The funds were raised through a nationwide in-restaurant donation program led by the brand’s franchise operators as well as contributions by Popeyes’ supplier and vendor partners, employees and friends.
“We are thankful for Popeyes’ dedication to fighting hunger,” said Vicki Escarra, President and CEO of America’s Second Harvest. “This partnership will result in nourishing families across the country, specifically in the Gulf Coast region, where demand is high right now. We are grateful for Popeyes’ generous contribution and look forward to building our relationship over the long term.”
The July 19 event will begin at 10:00 a.m. with Popeyes franchisees and employees participating in a service project sorting food on site at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana, 1201 Sams Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70123. The project will be followed by a check presentation ceremony at 11:30 a.m. and conclude with a Popeyes lunch. Speakers include Vicki Escarra, President and CEO, America’s Second Harvest; Stan Stout, Chief People Services Officer, Popeyes; Joe Haberkorn, Jr., President, Popeyes International Franchise Association; and Natalie Jayroe, President and CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana.
Founded in 1972 in New Orleans, Popeyes is a leader in the New Orleans segment of the foodservice industry and is the world's second largest quick-service chicken concept. As of June 11, 2006, Popeyes had 1,837 locations in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam and 24 foreign countries. For more information, visit Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits’ Web site at www.popeyes.com.
America's Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network is the largest charitable hunger-relief organization in the country with a network of more than 200 Member food banks and food- rescue programs serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The America's Second Harvest network secures and distributes more than 2 billion pounds of donated food and grocery products annually and supports approximately 50,000 local charitable agencies operating more than 94,000 programs. For more on America's Second Harvest, please visit www.secondharvest.org.
Contact:
Ann
Warren 404.347.7778 ext.
202 awarren@patrickdavis.com
Kim Englehardt 404.459.4660 popeyescommunications@popeyes.com
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