Foundation, Denny’s are partners in the Hungry for Education Scholarship Program where 10 outstanding students will receive $2,500 scholarships at designated HBCUs
DALLAS – March 27, 2014 – The Tom Joyner Foundation received a $25,000 check from the Denny’s Corporation (NASDAQ: DENN), franchiser and operator of one of America’s largest full-service restaurant chains, during the 2014 Fantastic Voyage as part of the Hungry For Education (HFE) scholarship program students attending selected Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The check presentation capped off a lively seminar entitled “Straight Talk” on the cruise, which featured a conversation between Chef Jeff, Brenda Lauderback, a member of Denny’s Board of Directors and VaShawn Mitchell, the gospel recording artist and spokesperson. Sybil Wilkes, “Tom Joyner Morning Show” co-host, moderated the hour-long panel that focused on diversity and inclusion. During a raffle after the panel, five lucky members of the audience – Anthony Jones, Trumel Lamb, Regina Lander and Glenda Lewis – won free Original Grand Slam® breakfasts for a year.
“You know I love a party with a purpose, so for Denny’s to present this check on the Fantastic Voyage – the ‘Ultimate Party with a Purpose’ – makes this event even more memorable,” said Tom Joyner, the foundation’s chairman and host of the nationally syndicated “Tom Joyner Morning Show.” “This scholarship program is another great example of how the Foundation and Denny’s are doing what it takes to help students pursue their college dreams.”
Thomas Joyner Jr., president and chief executive officer of the Foundation, stressed the importance of the Denny’s partnership and helping students at HBCUs. “This Denny’s partnership is an important part of helping the Foundation fulfill its mission to keep students in HBCUs.”
April Kelly-Drummond, Denny’s director of corporate diversity and community affairs, said, “With the help of the Tom Joyner Foundation, Denny’s has provided support for more than 300 deserving high school and college students, contributing more than $525,000 to the Foundation’s programs and scholarship funds. We love working with Tom and look forward to continuing our 12-year partnership – and helping students succeed – for many, many more years to come.”
As part of the partnership, ten (10) deserving students from designated HBCUs will receive a $2,500 scholarship from Denny’s and the Tom Joyner Foundation as part of Denny’s Hungry for Education initiative. The program began February 10 and ends April 1, 2014. Full time students must be enrolled in one of the 10 participating HBCUs that include Alabama State University, Montgomery, Ala.; Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio; Claflin University, Orangeburg, S.C.; Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, Ga.; Florida A & M University, Tallahassee, Fla.; Huston-Tillotson University, Austin, Texas; Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, N.C.; Langston University, Langston, Okla.; Norfolk State University, Norfolk, Va.; and Southern University, Baton Rouge, La.
To apply, students must submit a 250- to 500-word essay on the topic, “How Can You or Denny’s Have an Impact on Hunger in Your HBCU’s Community?” To complete the process, students go to TomJoynerFoundation.org and click on the banner to complete the online application. To learn more about Denny’s scholarship program, go to DennysHungryForEducation.com.
The Foundation will be reviewing applications and winners will be announced in December 2014.
In its fifteenth year the Tom Joyner Foundation, the Fantastic Voyage Presented by Ford is known as the Ultimate Party with a Purpose®, supporting students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. It set sail March 16th, from Miami, Florida for eight days and seven nights with almost three thousand passengers on board the Carnival Conquest. The cruise features more than 60 performers art exhibits and seminars, including comedians, entertainers and artists in soul music from today and yesterday including Tyler Perry, Katt Williams, Robin Thicke, Charlie Wilson, KEM, John Legend, Nelly, Ice Cube, Chante Moore, Shaggy, George Clinton, Heads of State, Erica Campbell from Mary Mary, and many great artists from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.
About the Tom Joyner Foundation:
The Tom Joyner Foundation (https://tomjoynerfoundation.com) was founded in 1998 as the brainchild of nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner. The mission of the Foundation is to support historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with scholarships, endowments and capacity-building enhancements. The Foundation has provided necessary support to every HBCU in its 16-year history to help sustain and preserve the legacies of these valuable institutions. Through fundraising and donor development initiatives, $65 million has been raised to support more than 29,000 students attending HBCUs. Additionally, the Foundation has recommended internships, offered matching grant support, and career development to deserving students. You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About Denny’s Corp.
Denny’s is one of America’s largest full-service family restaurant chains, currently operating 1,700 franchised, licensed and company-owned restaurants across the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, Honduras, Guam, Puerto Rico and New Zealand. For further information on Denny’s, including news releases, please visit the Denny’s website at www.dennys.com and www.dennysdiversity.com.
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