Cheeseburger Bobby’s has donated $10,000 to Murphy Harpst, the Georgia-based burger franchise announced on Thursday afternoon.
During September’s Month of Giving, Cheeseburger Bobby’s raised awareness for the residential treatment center for abused and neglected children by pledging 50 cents to the organization for every custard sold during the month. In addition, customers were given the opportunity to drop coins and dollars in “Change for a Change” jars inside every restaurant.
The $10,000 donation is $1,000 more than the restaurant’s 2014 contribution to Murphy Harpst. Cheeseburger Bobby’s of Johns Creek led the 10-franchise charge by raising more than $1,400 for the nonprofit organization.
“We have a vision of Cheeseburger Bobby’s increasing our commitment to Murphy Harpst as we continue to grow,” says Cheeseburger Bobby’s cofounder Bobby Stoll. “Our goal is to help this wonderful organization as much as we possibly can and raise awareness for what they are doing. This donation is a start and we will continue our relationship with Murphy Harpst moving forward.”
Stoll was first brought to Murphy Harpst Children’s Center by his brother, Richard, a Murphy Harpst board member. The first image Stoll saw was a sad-faced young boy playing with a ball alone. He knew right then he wanted his restaurant to help the nonprofit facility that regularly experiences a shortcoming of funding.
Stoll reached out to the Cheeseburger Bobby’s franchisees to come on board with an idea to bring awareness to this oft-forgotten facility located in the remote town of Cedartown. The usually overlooked Murphy Harpst is a sanctuary for the abused and neglected children of Georgia who have no financial resources. The 125 employees who deliver “Life and Hope for Children” provide mental, emotional, and spiritual nourishment to the 57 children. Each child receives around-the-clock therapeutic care that enables them to heal and recover so they can reengage with society and lead productive lives.
While the state provides some of the much-needed financial backing, the center relies heavily on donations from individuals and companies like Cheeseburger Bobby’s. Donated money goes to paying for the staff, Christmas and birthday gifts for the residents and medication costs.
“The financial support of Cheeseburger Bobby’s for Murphy Harpst Children’s Centers has allowed our agency to serve nearly 300 children over the past year,” says Chuck Troutman, CEO of Murphy Harpst. “The patrons of Cheeseburger Bobby’s have become our new friends and we thank them greatly for their generous donation and hard work during the month of September.”