Kentucky Fried Chicken is celebrating its founder Colonel Harland Sanders’ 128th birthday in the best way possible—by launching a contest to inspire the next generation of Harlands.
According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, “Harland” ranked No. 3,257 on the list of most common baby names for 2017. To honor the world’s most famous chicken salesman, continue his namesake and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, KFC is offering a college donation to the first child born on the Colonel’s birthday (Sept. 9, 2018) named Harland.
As a birthday gift from the Colonel and KFC, the first baby Harland will receive $11,000 (in honor of KFC’s 11 herbs and spices, of course) to go toward their college education, setting them up for future success.
Colonel Harland David Sanders was born on September 9, 1890. Ever the entrepreneur, Harland Sanders did things the Hard Way. Whether bouncing back from a series of failed jobs and business ventures or founding Kentucky Fried Chicken in his 60s, Harland never gave up. Harland’s grit, passion and fervor are what KFC wants to instill into the next generation.
“Even though vintage names are making a comeback, our iconic founder’s name was dwindling in popularity, and we couldn’t just stand idly by and let that happen,” says Andrea Zahumensky, KFC U.S. chief marketing officer. “We hope that this birthday celebration honors the Colonel and encourages the next generation of people aspiring to live the American dream.”
Beginning on Sept. 9, parents can submit the name, date and time of their baby Harland’s birth along with their contact information on https://www.kfc.com/babyharland. The site will be live for 30 days, giving parents time to adjust to the newest addition to their family. The baby’s first name must be Harland to qualify, and each entry will be vetted appropriately to ensure that the winning child was in fact (among those who entered) the first Harland born on Sept. 9, 2018. Additional rules and regulations can be found here.
Open to legal residents of 50 United States and D.C., age 21 or older who add a child to their family whose legal first name is “Harland” and who was born between 12:00 AM ET on 9/9/18 and 11:59:59 PM ET on 9/9/18. Void where prohibited. Contest ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on October 9, 2018. For official rules, visit http://www.KFC.com/babyharland.
