Chick-fil-A Foundation Celebrates 2016 True Inspiration Award Recipients

More than $1 million gifted; Nominations underway to honor eligible organizations in 2017

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May 23, 2016, 10:59 ET

ATLANTA, May 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chick-fil-A® Foundation recognized the grant winners of the 2016 True Inspiration Awards with a celebratory event in Atlanta on Friday, May 20. The 22 deserving not-for-profits, which represent 17 states across the country, are receiving a combined $1.26 million in grants to further their work fostering leadership and entrepreneurial spirit in children.

Founders of A Night to Remember Prom accept the S. Truett Cathy Award and pose with Chick-fil-A Foundation Executive Director Rodney Bullard.

This is the second year the Chick-fil-A Foundation has hosted the True Inspiration Awards, which were inspired by the generosity of Chick-fil-A's late founder S. Truett Cathy, who dedicated his life to serving his community by helping young people. The grants, given earlier this year to each organization, range from $15,000 to $100,000. Organizations either applied or were nominated by a local Chick-fil-A restaurant franchisee based on the group's local work to inspire children to become future leaders.

"We're honored to be able to partner with these incredible organizations to improve the lives of children. Our mission is to help every child be all they were created to be, and these organizations are striving to achieve that same goal each and every day," said Rodney Bullard, vice president of community affairs for Chick-fil-A and executive director of the Chick-fil-A Foundation. He added, "The True Inspiration Awards were created to honor our founder, S. Truett Cathy, and we're proud to be able to celebrate his legacy and these organizations that have the same generous heart for giving."

The event was made possible by the generosity of presenting sponsor, Delta Airlines, as well as hospitality sponsor, Legendary Events.

The Chick-fil-A Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2017 True Inspiration Awards. Organizations that align with the mission to support youth and give back to their communities can be nominated online at Chick-fil-AFoundation.org/TrueInspirationAwards.

To learn more about the True Inspiration Awards and view a complete list of 2016 recipients, visit the Chick-fil-A Foundation website.

About the Chick-fil-A® Foundation
The Chick-fil-A® Foundation is the corporate foundation of Chick-fil-A, Inc. A not-for-profit organization, the Foundation's purpose is to lead the company's commitment to support youth and education in Chick-fil-A's local communities. The Foundation's work is focused on developing and educating young people so they can build a positive legacy and become all they were created to be. For more information, visit www.chick-fil-afoundation.org.

About Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Inc. is a family owned and privately held restaurant company founded in 1964 by S. Truett Cathy. Devoted to serving the local communities in which its franchised restaurants operate, and known for its original chicken sandwich, Chick-fil-A serves freshly prepared food in more than 2,000 restaurants in 43 states and Washington, D.C.

Chick-fil-A system sales exceeded $6 billion in 2015, which marks 48 consecutive years of sales growth. Chick-fil-A ranked first for customer satisfaction in the Limited Service Restaurants industry according to the 2015 American Customer Satisfaction Index and received the highest ACSI score ever in the industry. The company was also recognized in 2015 as America's "Top Chicken Restaurant Brand" by The Harris Poll and the only restaurant brand named to the Top 10 "Best Companies to Work For" by 24/7 Wall Street. More information on Chick-fil-A is available on the chain's website located at www.chick-fil-a.com.

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SOURCE Chick-fil-A, Inc.