RTC Industries, Lutheran Community Services among 100 grant recipients in U.S.
Johni and Darren Whitaker and their staff at Kentucky Fried Chicken, 817 S. Main St., Bellefontaine, rallied together for a special task earlier this month, when they had the exciting opportunity to inform two local non-profit organizations that they will receive a major funding boost from the KFC Foundation.
The local KFC representatives gathered up their party supplies, complete with balloons and cake, along with some of their tasty chicken, and a giant $10,000 check to stop by Lutheran Community Services, 223 Oakland Square, and RTC Industries, 36 S. County Road 32.
Both of these local agencies were selected as the winners of a $10,000 Kentucky Fried Wishes Grant that they applied for this summer. Today marks the official announcement of the winners throughout the country, with the 100 grants totaling $1 million. Local customers could contribute to this program by rounding up their purchases at the restaurant.
“Due to the generosity of KFC customers who chose to Round Up their orders to the KFC Foundation, we were able to double the amount of of grants awarded to community-based non-profits through Kentucky Fried Wishes this year,” said Emma Horn, KFC Foundation executive director.
“This is our biggest award year-to-date, and we’re proud to support these non-profits who are doing meaningful work.”
With 100 winners awarded throughout the U.S., the chance of two winners being located in one city seemed even less likely than winning the lottery, the Whitakers related.
“It’s neat that one local non-profit would get a grant here in Bellefontaine, but it’s incredible that there are two were selected for grants out of 100 given away. It blows my mind,” Darren said. “This is easily the coolest thing we’ve ever done in our 46-year history here.”
The Whitakers are the second generation franchisee owners of the restaurant that opened in Bellefontaine in 1977. Darren and Johni also met at KFC when they were in high school.
For employees working away at the Lutheran Community Services thrift store Aug. 14 during the surprise visit complete with cake and congratulations, they were blown away by the good news.
“I’m shocked; this is so awesome,” said Evelyn Allen, Our Daily Bread manager.
Lutheran Community Services Executive Director Kim Collum happened to be away from the building during the KFC representatives’ visit, but she quickly received a phone call from Allen updating her that they had received the grant.
Collum said she applied for the Kentucky Fried Wishes Grant about one month prior, especially thinking about LCS’ move to their new facility this fall, located at the corner of Troy Road and west Sandusky Avenue in Bellefontaine. The larger facility will expand their reach by about 50 percent, officials reported during the groundbreaking in September 2022.
“The grant is going to help furnish our new building and will help with our move,” Collum said. “It makes us feel good that they see the value in the services we provide. It is an absolute wonderful feeling, and we’re so thrilled to have this extra funds while we’re moving into our new space.”
RTC Industries staff were surprised the following day, Aug. 15, with the grant receipt in similar celebratory fashion. Johni said the employees were literally “jumping for joy” upon hearing the news.
“It was a complete surprise, in fact I had decided that we must not have gotten it, since we hadn’t heard it,” said Nita Wilkinson, RTC Industries marketing and development manager. “It was such a fun surprise. Johni and Darren sure did it up right.”
Wilkinson said the organization will be using the grant funds to create a sensory room.
“With the current renovations, we will have space for one. Often clients need space to burn off extra energy or a quiet space. Soon, we will be able to accommodate either one.
“This grant allows us to buy things like weighted blankets, special chairs, bubble lights, a mini tramp, and an interactive projector specifically for people with disabilities.
“This room will make such a difference for our clients. It is a win-win as it gives those who are sensory-seeking or avoiding, a place to go to fulfill their needs without disrupting their peers’ needs and desires. The sensory room allows their peers to focus on their own tasks without being disrupted.
“None of this would be possible right now without the support of our local KFC and the KFC Foundation.”
Kentucky Fried Wishes is the community-giving program of the KFC Foundation that invites non-profit organizations to apply for a grant to fund a project on their wish list.
The Kentucky Fried Wishes is just one way that the KFC Foundation supports, empowers and serves joy to restaurant employees and communities, Horn noted. The foundation also provides programs focused on education accessibility and financial assistance for KFC employees.
Several local KFC employees have also received these scholarships, Johni noted. The local franchise also pays a surcharge when purchasing its French fries, with funds given to the scholarship fund as well, the owners said.
RTC Industries staff were surprised with a $10,000 check from the Kentucky Fried Wishes Grant program this month by local KFC employees, including owners Darren and Johni Whitaker, center. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Evelyn Allen, center, holds the $10,000 check for Lutheran Community Services from the Kentucky Fried Wishes Grant. Also pictured are LCS representatives and KFC owners/employees, from the left, Brandon Wickline, Amanda Maddox, Johni Whitaker, Vicki Johnson, Avari Jacobs, Damian Godfrey, Darren Whitaker, Virginia Soto, Jose Fernandez, Brianna Williams and Eleyna Williams. (EXAMINER PHOTO | Mandy Loehr)
Evelyn Allen, Our Daily Bread manager, left, reacts to hearing the news about Lutheran Community Services’ receipt of a Kentucky Fried Wishes grant. (EXAMINER PHOTO | Mandy Loehr)