Churchs Fried Chicken announced May 8 a million-dollar pledge to Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), sending 2000 urban youth to summer camp over the next four years.

Atlanta-based Churchs Chicken, in partnership with its nearly 1,500 U.S. restaurants, will donate $1 million to fund and support the development of Camp Fund, a program created by the company and B&GCA, to give urban youth the opportunity to experience week-long summer camps. Customers can participate in the program by making $1 donations at local Churchs restaurants beginning Memorial Day weekend. Contributors will receive Send a Kid to Camp coupon books with more than $30 in savings from Churchs, Coca-Cola, AMF, Finish Line, and Money Gram.

“Churchs Camp Fund is a major philanthropic initiative to help bring that commitment to life and build on what we’ve started with our Habitat for Humanity, United Negro College Fund, and Adopt-a-School initiatives,” said Hala Moddelmog, president of Churchs Chicken.

To launch Camp Fund, Churchs and B&GCA will host a kick-off bowl-a-thon for employees of Churchs corporate offices, metro Atlanta franchise operations and several business partners, including Coca-Cola North America. Moddelmog will present a $1 million pledge check to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America during the event.

“Our partnership with B&GCA will provide 500 urban youth, each summer for the next four years, with an opportunity of a lifetime,” said Deidre Barrett-England, director of advertising and promotions for Churchs. “While creating and supporting Camp Fund makes good business sense, we also want our customers to see that Churchs is just as serious about the business of supporting youth. It is our hope that our customers will make $1 donations to help send youth from their own communities to summer camp.”

The fastest-growing youth development organization in the country, B&GCA serves more than 3 million youth annually in some 2,600 member clubs around the country. During the first year of the program, Camp Fund will be offered to B&GCA clubs where Churchs restaurants are located. Camp Fund kids will enjoy outdoor activities such as rowing, hiking, and fishing.

“We are grateful to Churchs Chicken for its generous support that will make the dream of residential camp experience a reality,” said Roxanne Spillett, president, Boys and Girls Clubs of America. “Fun and games cannot be taken for granted for our Boys and Girls members. This year, 500 well-deserved children will attend a Boys and Girls Club residential camp and participate in a variety of fun activities in a secure and creative environment.”