Bojangles is turning chicken boxes and spare change into meaningful support for military families and veterans.
The Southern fast-food chain raised $519,523.81 through its America 250 campaign, a summer initiative celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary while giving back to those who have served. The effort benefited Folds of Honor and the Veteran Golfers Association, two organizations that support the military community in different but equally meaningful ways.
The campaign gave customers two ways to participate. Bojangles donated $1 from every limited-edition patriotic Big Bo Box sold, while guests at participating restaurants could contribute by rounding up their purchases at checkout.
The funds will be split between the two nonprofit organizations – Folds of Honor and the Veteran Golfers Association.
Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to families of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. Meanwhile, the Veteran Golfers Association uses golf to foster camaraderie, wellness and connection among veterans and their families.
“This campaign was about more than celebrating a milestone in our nation’s history,” Ken Reynolds, executive director of the Bojangles Foundation, said in a release shared with Parade. “It was about honoring the people who have served our country and finding a meaningful way for our restaurants and guests to give back.”
One location stood out during the campaign. The Bojangles restaurant in Conover, North Carolina, led all participating locations nationwide in customer round-up donations.
Heidi Simpson, vice president of operations at Bojangles, praised the Conover team and its customers for their generosity, noting that their contributions reflected the spirit of communities across the restaurant chain.
The nonprofit leaders also expressed gratitude for the campaign’s impact. Folds of Honor founder and CEO Lt. Col. Dan Rooney said the partnership would help provide educational scholarships, while Veteran Golfers Association CEO and retired Capt. Joshua Peyton highlighted the support’s role in continuing the organization’s work through golf.
“As America celebrates 250 years of freedom, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by those who have defended it,” Peyton, CEO, Veteran Golfers Association, said in the release. “We are grateful to Bojangles and its customers for their extraordinary generosity and commitment to our military community.”