Truett Cathy, the founder and chairman of Chick-Fil-A, Inc., will speak at Lee University about the integration of his faith and his business, a stance which has brought him distinction in the restaurant industry. Click to enlarge all our photos.
Truett Cathy to Speak at Lee University
Truett Cathy, the founder and chairman of Chick-Fil-A, Inc., will speak at the Lee University Dixon Center at 7 p.m., Oct. 10.
Mr. Cathy is being hosted by Phi Beta Lambda, Lee University’s business club and will be speaking about the integration of his faith and his business, a stance which has brought him distinction in the restaurant industry. The event is open to the public.
Mr. Cathy began his restaurant operations in 1946 with the opening of the “Dwarf Grill,” the small beginning which spawned Chick-Fil-A’s substantial presence today. The company currently operates over 1,000 restaurants in 35 states, and is the third-largest quick-service chicken restaurant in the United States.
Mr. Cathy’s achievements have not been confined to the business world, however. In 1984, he founded the WinShape Foundation. It not only provides college scholarships to 20-30 students per year, but it also maintains 11 foster care homes in the United States and Latin America, and sponsors summer enrichment camps for 1500 students each year.
In support of this foundation, Chick-Fil-A has been involved with a charity sports sponsorship with the LPGA. This charity tournament has contributed over $1.5 million to the WinShape program. Winshape also receives proceeds from the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, one of the NCAA college football events.
In addition to Winshape, the Chick-fil-A chain has given more than $16 million in $1,000 scholarships to Chick-fil-A restaurant employees since 1973, through its Leadership Scholarship Program.
Most Chick-Fil-A customers are aware of the company’s no-exception, “Closed Sundays” policy, which was instated by Mr. Cathy, who is a devout Christian, to ensure that all Chick-Fil-A employees had the opportunity to worship and rest on Sunday.
In recognition for his philanthropic activities, Mr. Cathy has received many awards and distinctions. Among them are The Shining Light Award (1991), The National Caring Award (1992), and the National Business Commitment to Foster Care Award (1994).
Mr. Cathy and his wife Jeannette have two sons, Dan and Don (“Bubba”), who serve along with him on the executive staff of Chick-Fil-A.
While there is no fee for admission, donations for the WinShape Foundation will be accepted.