Rounding Up for a Great Cause
Alright, sit down for this one: Dave's Hot Chicken, pretty much everyone's new favorite spicy treat, is teaming up with USA Cares to lend a hand to vets and their families. They're running a solid two-week round-up campaign—yup, you heard it right—from June 30 to July 13 across 18 locations in California, Texas, Nevada, and Oklahoma. All you've got to do is let them round up your bill at the register, with the extra change going straight to help folks who served.
How Does It Work?
Here's the rundown. Next time you're grabbing that spicy chicken goodness at a participating Dave's location, you can either round up your purchase at the register or scan a QR code to make an extra donation online. Pretty easy peasy if you ask me. The deal is a simple yet impactful way to channel those few extra cents to where they matter. And if you believe what Brian Cassidy, CEO of CW Strong Restaurants, says, it helps get veterans—and trust me, some are in really tight spots—back on their feet.
"CW Strong Restaurants and Dave's Hot Chicken are proud to partner with USA CARES Veteran & Family Support System," said Cassidy. "Your round-up donation—and any additional support—makes an immediate, meaningful difference for those who have sacrificed for our country and our communities."
A Legacy of Support
USA Cares isn't a new player here. Since its inception back in 2003, they've been giving financial aid to military families that might otherwise be caught between a rock and a hard place. This year, they've already shelled out over $1.4 million, helping more than 700 families, including over 840 kids. That's not chump change, folks. They've even helped 430 families stay in their homes, with more than $808,000 doled out for housing. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about keeping these families' morale intact when their world's upside down.
Why Dave's Hot Chicken?
Look, partnering with a franchise like Dave's Hot Chicken might sound like an odd match. A chicken joint and a nonprofit? But let me tell you, Dave's isn't just any run-of-the-mill franchise. These guys started as a dream in a parking lot with portable fryers back in 2017. Fast forward, and they're the talk of the town, buddying up with big names like Drake and Usher. They embody the American Dream, and what better way to pay it forward than by helping those who've paved the path of freedom?
Beyond the Sauce and Spice
Let's be real, it's got a sort of poetic justice to it. Three buddies start from scratch, turn their dreams into a spicy, finger-licking reality, then decide to give back. It’s not just charity—it's about legacy. When you partner up with orgs like USA Cares, you're essentially giving a nod to the tough-as-nails journey these veterans and families go through. A team that started out fundraising from a tiny setup and grew to over 1,020 franchises worldwide sure knows a thing or two about hard work and resilience.
"Rounding up a few cents may not feel like much in the moment," says Matt Castor, CEO of USA Cares, "but across thousands of transactions at these restaurants, those small donations become real support for veterans and military families working through a hard stretch."
The Bottom Line
Let's cut to the chase. The magic doesn't happen if folks don't chip in, so make sure you head to one of those 18 Dave's spots, get your fries extra crispy, and throw a little extra in the pot. Every dime rounded up could be the cushion a veteran family needs to bounce back from a financial crisis. And if you're feeling generous, hop online and make a bigger splash. It's these small, collective acts that make all the difference—and now you've got a chance to be part of it.
