For the 16th consecutive year, Bojangles’ not only raised funds to send children to the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s (MDA) Camp Bethelwoods, but it also provided campers and volunteers a Bojangles’ lunch of chicken, biscuits, and fixin’s at Camp Bethelwoods in York, South Carolina, on August 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Camp Bethelwoods, located at 922 W. Mount Gallant Road in York, provides a magical environment for 6–17-year-olds who are affected with a variety of neuromuscular diseases.
“We are proud of our partnership with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and take seriously the importance of MDA Summer Camp as a place where these incredibly strong young people have fun and make memories with others who share similar experiences,” says Bojangles’ president and CEO Clifton Rutledge. “For our Bojangles’ team, visiting MDA camp is one of the highlights of their year.”
An MDA sponsor for 16 years, Bojangles’ served lunch to more than 200 campers, volunteers, and guests during the camp’s “VIP Day, ” which provides local MDA sponsors and supporters an opportunity to meet campers and volunteers over lunch. MDA campers and other guests played games from 11 a.m. until noon, when lunch was served. This year, the Bojangles’ Mobile Kitchen served everyone in attendance Bojangles’ Chicken Supremes, Homestyle Tenders, Cajun filet sandwiches, mac n’ cheese, and Legendary Iced Tea. Additionally, each camper received a Bojangles’ “It’s Bo Time” tote bag and fun wrist band to commemorate the day.
“Sponsor Day at MDA Camp is the favorite day for so many of our campers because it means Bojangles’ will be there,” says MDA divisional director Theresa Miller. “For many years, Bojangles’ has played an important role in making MDA Camp a fun experience that everyone looks forward to. We value our partners like Bojangles’, who not only help us with our important fundraising initiatives, but spend time with us and care about making MDA Camp a special experience.”
Each March, Bojangles’ raises funds through its in-store Shamrocks Against Dystrophy campaign to send children to MDA Summer Camp, providing campers with the opportunity to develop life-long friendships, try new activities, share interests, and build self-confidence. With the support of Bojangles’ generous customers, more than a half-million dollars was raised this year alone to send more than 660 children to MDA Summer Camp. Over the past decade, the company has raised more than $3.5 million. By the end of the summer, Bojangles’ and its franchise partners will have fed more than 700 campers and volunteers at MDA camps.
Proceeds donated to MDA from Bojangles’ fundraising efforts have aided in breakthrough research for Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases, and enabled MDA to provide numerous services at no cost to those registered with the organization—including medical visits, repairs for wheelchairs and leg braces, support groups, and vaccines.
