Taco Bell today announced its newest and most personal commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, as nearly 150 franchisees and executives from across the U.S. volunteered to refurbish the East Dallas Boys & Girls Club. The event was the first of a nationwide hands-on renovation campaign by Taco Bell franchisees and employees building on the Company’s long-term financial commitment to the organization.
“Since 1995, Taco Bell has raised more than $11 million to benefit at-risk teens at Boys & Girls Clubs,” said Emil Brolick, president of Taco Bell Corp. “But our dedication to the youth of America goes much deeper than dollars. Giving of our own time and talents demonstrates the company’s fervor and ongoing effort to support our communities.”
More than 50 Dallas-area youth joined Taco Bell volunteers at the refurbishment event to prepare the center for Red Ribbon Week by painting and landscaping, as well as creating posters, banners, songs and red ribbons for the anti-drug celebration.
“We are proud of the work Boys & Girls Clubs do for our children and teens,” said Bud Jenkins, president of Taco Bell FRANMAC (Franchise Management Advisory Council). “Taco Bell franchisees and employees took the first step in Dallas to give back, and we plan to keep helping in many ways across the nation.”
“Taco Bell’s commitment and generosity over the years has helped thousands of at-risk teens expand their potential,” said Linda Wiltse, vice president, teen services for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “We look forward to continuing this partnership and placing even more young people on the path to success.”
The Taco Bell Foundation has funded Boys & Girls Clubs of America TEENSupreme® Program since its creation in 1995, with the help of on-going customer, franchisee and employee donations. TEENSupreme primarily targets at-risk teens, providing support, mentoring, job training, and counseling to develop life and leadership skills, character and values in our nation’s future leaders. Since the creation of TEENSupreme, teen membership in Boys & Girls Clubs has risen more than 26 percent.
Boys & Girls Clubs comprises a national network of 3,000 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving some 3.3 million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” the Clubs provide character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key programs emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts and sports, fitness and recreation.
The Taco Bell Foundation, a non-profit organization, was established by Taco Bell Corp. as a public charity in 1992 to reach out and help the communities it serves. Funds for the national campaign are gathered largely through charitable donations collected in canisters at the Company’s restaurants and participating franchise restaurants. For more information about TEENSupreme, visit www.teensupreme.org.
