Fast food supports college

Chattanooga State plans to raise thousands of dollars for college programs and scholarships through partnerships with area restaurants.

Starting this month, local Waffle House, Subway and Hardee's restaurants committed to donating part of their sales to Chattanooga State Community College to support adult learners at a time when many families are applying for financial aid or considering options for higher education.

"We are fortunate to have the willing advocacy of Hardee's, Subway and Waffle House," said Chattanooga State President Jim Catanzaro. "Their endorsement of our educational initiatives is critical, and we are deeply grateful to have all three of these restaurants promoting Chattanooga State."

Waffle House already has given more than $5,000 to the school's GED program after raising the money through a fundraiser that gave $1 to Chattanooga State for every waffle sold.

Hardee's is displaying tabletop cards to provide information about where to go to get a college degree. The company also is paying for the caps and gowns worn by Chattanooga State GED students and giving a check to the highest-performing student in the GED class, said Brenda Eckard, vice president of marketing at J&S Restaurants, which owns the local Hardee's.

"The business world is constantly changing, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to ... encourage others to return to school and, in some cases, improve their career options," Ms. Eckard said.

Barbara Thompson, director of marketing for Chattanooga Subway, said the company will donate 10 percent of pre-tax sales for the four Fridays in February from the Amnicola Highway and Highway 58 locations.

The money will go to Chattanooga State's Project Ahead, which prepares low-income, at-risk students to enter college, she said.

Ms. Thompson said Chattanooga State faculty and students have supported Subway, and the restaurant wants to give back.

"A lot of our customers are people that benefit from programs like this. So by helping these people succeed in life, we are giving back to the community," she said.