Papa John’s of Knoxville announces $25,000 to be awarded to BGCTNV

Papa John’s of Knoxville announces $25,000 to be awarded to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley through the Papa Johns Foundation for Building Community

[Knoxville, TN] – [November 8, 2024] – Today, Papa John’s of Knoxville – locally owned and operated, serving Knox County, Anderson County, Blount County, and Roane County for over 33 years announced that the Papa Johns Foundation for Building Community has awarded $25,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley to support their work to strengthen our local community.

“At Papa John’s, we believe in supporting organizations that strengthen communities and open doors for future generations,” said Chris Coffey, CEO – Home Run, Inc. at Papa John’s of Knoxville, TN. “I started working here at Papa Johns as a delivery driver 31 years ago. It’s such a pleasure to give back to the community that helped our business grow strong. So, we are thrilled to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley through our Building Community Grant to support their YouthForce program. By investing in college and workforce readiness, we’re helping young people gain valuable skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in their careers and beyond.”

Awarded funds will be used to directly support the YouthForce Program. The YouthForce program connects teens, ages 14-18, with businesses that invest in their training and development. YouthForce offers a variety of activities to help teens develop essential skills for workforce success, including finding a job based on their interests and talents, applying for jobs, developing strong soft skills, and determining the educational and career path they wish to pursue.

“We are deeply grateful to Papa John’s of Knoxville and the Papa Johns Foundation for Building Community for this generous grant. This $25,000 investment directly supports our YouthForce program, which prepares teens with the skills and confidence to step into future career paths. Thanks to partners like Papa John’s, we can continue empowering young people across the region, creating brighter futures and a stronger community for us all,” said Bart McFadden, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Tennessee Valley.

In 39 states across the United States the Papa Johns Foundation for Building Community is awarding $1.5 million to more than 250 organizations whose work supports the Foundation’s focus areas – youth leadership and entrepreneurship, food security and food waste reduction. Earlier this year, Papa John’s of Knoxville joined other Papa Johns franchisees in applying for grants to support the work of these organizations in their respective communities.

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About The Papa Johns Foundation for Building Community

Founded in 2019, the Papa Johns Foundation supports communities as they work together for equality, fairness, respect and opportunity for all. We believe empowered communities overcome divides through civility and unity, and we support organizations that share our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Through partnerships with leading national and local community organizations, the Papa Johns Foundation’s philanthropic approach focuses on Youth Leadership & Entrepreneurship, Food Security and Food Waste Reduction.