RICHMOND, VA--(Marketwire - June 10, 2010) - Special Olympics Virginia and Hardee's® restaurant franchise operator Boddie-Noell Enterprises will celebrate the 30th anniversary of their partnership during Opening Ceremonies of the 2010 Summer Games here Friday.
Since 1981, Hardee's customers in Virginia and Boddie-Noell have provided employee volunteers, held fundraisers in their Hardee's restaurants to raise money for the organization and served countless Hardee's meals to the athletes at the Summer Games. Over those three decades, Boddie-Noell and Virginia Hardee's customers have contributed more than $1 million to the program.
Boddie-Noell and Hardee's represent the longest-serving corporate partner in the 35-year history of Special Olympics Virginia.
"What really stands out about Boddie-Noell -- apart from their financial support, the volunteers and their other commitments to these games -- is that they've hired people with intellectual disabilities to work in their restaurants so that these folks have an inclusive way to reach their full potential," said Special Olympics Virginia President Rick Jeffrey. "It's a great outcome and shows Boddie-Noell lives their slogan 'We Believe in People.'"
Boddie-Noell and Hardee's partner in the Special Olympics Virginia Training for Life program by employing persons with intellectual disabilities, some of whom are Special Olympics athletes, and providing a welcome workplace environment that breeds success.
Boddie-Noell Enterprises President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Boddie will be on hand along with more than 1,200 athletes and hundreds of volunteers to represent his company for the 30-year recognition during Friday night's Opening Ceremonies.
"Special Olympics Virginia and these Summer Games hold a special place in the heart of our company and employees," said Boddie, one of several members of the Boddie family who have been active in the Summer Games. The relationship began with BNE Chairman Mayo Boddie who helped forge the initial commitment. Hundreds of company volunteers have participated over the years as well, drawing from the 180 Hardee's restaurants the company operates throughout Virginia. Boddie-Noell is the largest Hardee's franchise operator in the United States.
Opening Ceremonies for the Summer Games are at the Robins Center on the University of Richmond campus beginning at 7:45 p.m. Friday. The Summer Games take place on Friday and Saturday at St. Christopher's School and the University of Richmond.
As in years past, Boddie-Noell will have volunteers on hand for various sporting events at this year's Summer Games and will feed the athletes on Saturday. Additionally, the annual in-restaurant fundraiser, "Buy A Star, Be a Fan," will be held in October at Hardee's locations throughout Virginia. The three-week fundraiser sells cut-out stars for $1 and 100 percent of the proceeds go to Special Olympics Virginia to help more than 1,000 Special Olympics athletes participate in the 2011 Summer Games.
About Boddie-Noell
Boddie-Noell Enterprises (BNE) is a diversified family owned business engaged primarily in restaurants and land development. Founded in 1962, BNE is the largest Hardee's franchise operator in the United States with 339 restaurants in four states, including 180 locations across Virginia. The company is based in Rocky Mount, NC. Visit www.bneinc.com.
About Special Olympics Virginia
Special Olympics is a year-round international program of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. By using sport as a vehicle for social change, Special Olympics Virginia strives to create opportunities for meaningful interaction and self discovery for everyone. The organization's goal is to open the heart and mind of every Virginian to the value and ability of persons with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Virginia Inc. is the state program of Special Olympics Incorporated.
About Hardee's
Celebrating 50 years in the quick-service industry, Hardee's Food Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of CKE Restaurants, Inc. (
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Boddie-Noell
Rick Rountree
804.726.3025