By NATE KING
Salina Post
On Tuesday afternoon, Arby's located on 9th Street in Salina, gifted Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina $2,800 in the form of a giant check. According to Arby's and BBBS leadership teams the partnership is so much more than "just money."
Funds received from The Arby’s Foundation will be used to provide opportunities for matches to participate in fun and engaging activities throughout the community as well as funding match support and mentoring relationship advancement training.
Accepting the check on behalf of the organization was Amanda Otto, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina.
"We can not thank Arby’s employees enough," Otto said. "Arby's employees volunteered their time at BBBS of Salina’s annual charity golf tournament, Hook & Slice. Also Arby’s supports Bigs and Littles time together by providing matches with food coupons."
Hamdoon Ismail, director of operations for the Arby's Wichita market, said the money gifted to BBBS was raised through $1 donations during the Spring and Fall as part of the company's 'Make a Difference' campaign.
"The dollars raised during these campaigns have a significant impact on the lives of kids in our local area," Ismail said. "What I love about this campaign is half of the funds raised support our nonprofit national partners such as No Kid Hungry, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Folds of Honor, while the other half of the funds raised in our market will go back to supporting youth-serving nonprofits in our local communities."
Ismail said every person who gives a $1 donation at their next visit to Arby's will receive a free small fry and cup of cheddar coupon for their next visit.