Bojangles’ and customers raise over $28K for education | Community Spirit

On Monday, Bojangles’ announced that, with the support of its loyal customers, both company- and franchise-operated restaurants across the state have raised $28,908 for South Carolina Future Minds, a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting teachers and public education. 

As the founding sponsor of Teacher Appreciation Month in South Carolina, Bojangles’ held an in-store fundraiser during the month of May where generous and loyal customers purchased $1 and $5 paper apples to honor teachers – past and present – who have made a difference in their lives.  South Carolina Future Minds also provided an opportunity for individuals to nominate their favorite teacher on its website, www.SCFutureMinds.org.   

The money raised during Teacher Appreciation Month will help South Carolina Future Minds provide financial support that benefits the more than 700,000 students currently in the state’s public education system.

Additionally, Johnsonville Middle School’s Harris Avant was awarded a five-night Caribbean cruise courtesy of Bojangles’.  He was selected from the thousands of teachers honored online during May’s Teacher Appreciation Month, as proclaimed by South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.

“Bojangles’ is proud to present more than $28,000 to support our states’ amazing teachers who are tirelessly committed to the advancement of the education our children receive,” said Bojangles’ Vice President of Company Operations Kenny Avery.  “We love being able to recognize the dedicated men and women who provide our children with the knowledge and encouragement they need to be successful and are excited to be a partner in this important initiative  again next year.”

In addition to sponsoring Teacher Appreciation Month, Bojangles’ is a major supporter of the state’s Teacher of the Year program, having donated more than 9,000 books to the schools and classrooms of District Teachers of the Year since 2010.  This year, teachers were honored with a book celebration held at a Bojangles’ in their district.  Teachers and guests enjoyed a meal of their choice at each event, and all teachers in the state received a Bojangles’ promotional gift card worth anywhere from $1 to $100 to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Month.

“We are so grateful for all of the help and support Bojangles’ has provided to the teachers and students across the Palmetto state through their sponsorship of both the Teacher of the Year program and Teacher Appreciation Month,” said South Carolina Future Minds Executive Director Trip DuBard.  “The record-breaking funds donated today will help our organization better equip and advocate on behalf of our educators across South Carolina.”

South Carolina Future Minds organizes private support for public schools in other ways, including:

• The South Carolina Teacher of the Year Celebration
• “Spaghetti Night” sponsored by Mueller’s
• “This School’s Got Talent” statewide talent search
• South Carolina Public Education Partners Network

Most recently, South Carolina Future Minds has been working with the S.C. Education Oversight Committee, state Board of Education, state Chamber of Commerce and other business, government and education leaders to develop a plan to transform South Carolina’s schools.