WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Charleston Wendy’s franchisee Justin “Juice” Schmidt says giving back to the community has been key value of the fast-food chain since its founding.
Over the next week, 67 Wendy’s stores in West Virginia will donate 5 percent of their sales in effort to raise $100,000 to donate to the Neighbors Loving Neighbors Program for those who have lost their homes.
“We all have a lapel pin on that is one of our founder Dave Thomas’ core values, and that is give something back,” Schmidt said. “Dave always said the more you give the more you get in return. I’m just happy to be a part of Wendy’s and the people we have.”
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jim Justice was on hand for the presentation of a $33,000 check held by Wendy’s Tuesday in White Sulphur Springs, which was one of the areas hit hardest in the June 23 floods.
“The Wendy’s organization is unbelievable. It’s been that for ever and a day,” said the Greenbrier owner. “I have a real closeness to the Wendy’s group because my dad was very close with Dave Thomas.”
Ray Blackburn, who operates 28 Wendy’s stores in West Virginia, said after he saw the damage in White Sulphur Springs he immediately wanted to do something, and called Schmidt immediately.
“I said listen, we’ve got to do something to help. And right away he was on the same page as I was on,” Blackburn said. “We were calling our owners in West Virginia. At that point we were able to raise $10,000 just in a couple calls.”
Justice gave credit to all who were helping the many who are hurting across the state, saying that this was truly a historic flood.
“44 of our counties in our state wiped out; many counties and communities really wiped out. A thousand year flood…A thousand years is older even than me and so it’s a long time.”
Blackburn expected that the franchise would easily be able meet the $100,000 goal. The donation pledge begins Wednesday and will run through July 12.