The staff of McLean, Virginia-based Subway Development Corporation of Washington (SDC), takes great pride in reaching goals, hitting milestones, and giving back to its communities. As members of the Subway Team, charity plays a big role in the culture of the world’s largest restaurant chain.
Held at the Lansdowne Golf Resort in Leesburg, Virginia, SDC recently hosted its 14th annual Charity Golf Tournament, with proceeds benefiting the American Diabetes Association.
At the end of the event, a check was presented for $300,000, bringing SDC’s total charitable donations over the 14-year period to just less than $2 million. The majority of donations were raised this year from the sale of “STOP Diabetes Hands” through the hard work and support of area franchisees and Sandwich Artist’s.
2011 marks the first time that SDC has partnered with the American Diabetes Association, an organization whose focus is closely aligned with the values of the Subway brand. As an added level of awareness, area Subway restaurants introduced a diabetes-friendly menu that features meal options with appropriate nutritional values for those customers suffering from diabetes.
“Our move to support the ADA just made sense,” says David Dickerson, vice president of operations for SDC. “So many people already have the disease or are pre-diabetic. Subway is well known for its healthy options, but it is also important for people to know that they can get a Diabetic Friendlier Meal Choice at our restaurants that fits their dietary requirements. Our partnership was a natural one.”
Beginning with one small restaurant across from the House of Representatives Office Building in 1977, SDC currently oversees the ongoing development and operations of more than 1,149 independently owned and operated branches of the Subway submarine sandwich franchises throughout Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.
Opening more than 65 new locations over the past year, SDC’s team effort approach has enabled area Subway franchisees to experience growth during uncertain financial times while also providing approximately 11,500 job and career opportunities to men and women throughout the region.
Setting its sights on the years to come, SDC expects its 15th annual golf tournament to yield even more for the American Diabetes Association.
