Since its founding in 1997, Yum! and its brands have Served Up Good by investing in initiatives that enable team members, employees and communities to thrive. Yum! remains committed to using its capital – financial and human – to reduce food insecurity and to help individuals gain the skills and capabilities they need to build meaningful careers. This series highlights both the stories of leaders within Yum! who are driving meaningful change and shaping a better future for all, as well as the beneficiaries of the many community impact programs Yum! leads around the world.
KFC Restaurant General Manager Shantel F.’s restaurant in Eugene, Oregon, has raised over $60,000 for the KFC Foundation in the past two years from customers opting to round up their check to the next dollar, making the location the top fundraising KFC in the United States.
The KFC Foundation supports and empowers KFC restaurant employees and communities across the U.S. through education, financial and hardship assistance, and community giving programs—including the Kentucky Fried Wishes program, which grants nonprofits $10,000 to make a project on their wish list come true.
Below is a conversation with Shantel about her team’s passion for the KFC Foundation and giving back to the community through Kentucky Fried Wishes.
Why is the KFC Foundation’s community giving program, Kentucky Fried Wishes, important to you?
Last year was the second time my team was given the opportunity to select a nonprofit to receive a Kentucky Fried Wishes Grant as a reward for raising the most funds for the KFC Foundation in the U.S. We chose Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization that provides beds to children in need in our area. Getting the opportunity to give back is so important because I want to have a greater impact on my community. My team and I are motivated by the good that is possible through our work and the generosity of our customers - it fuels our work every day.
What is your favorite memory with Kentucky Fried Wishes?
When we presented the $10,000 grant check to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, we did so at their annual “build day.” I attended the event, along with two of my shift supervisors and two team members. That day, we worked with other volunteers to build a total of 200 beds for children in the community. I loved getting to present the check to the organization at this event because we got to see the direct impact of our efforts. Each bed we helped to fund or build meant one less child in Euguene was without a place to sleep. It was inspiring!
What have you learned from this experience?
I’ve learned the importance of sharing the impact of the KFC Foundation and asking our customers for a donation every time they make a purchase. All donations, big or small, can be used to make a difference in the lives of our communities, and giving our customers the opportunity to be part of the impact is important.
What do you feel when someone mentions Kentucky Fried Wishes?
Proud. When people see that KFC is investing in organizations and causes that matter to them, they want to support that. I see this not from just customers, but from the nonprofits in our area as well. It is cool to see the word get out about what we are doing to support the people of Eugene and becoming known as a restaurant who cares. It makes me feel like I’m making a real impact in my community beyond the service we provide in the restaurant.