Jason AbelkopAs Krystal officials were looking at ways to celebrate the square burger's 85th anniversary, they landed on the idea of celebrating people who make a difference in their communities.
The discussions quickly turned personal since just about everyone involved with the newly formed Krystal Foundation remembered a teacher who made an impact on them.
"My mom is a retired teacher in South Carolina," says Jason Abelkop, chief marketing officer and head of the foundation. "When we talked about it, it became very personal for all of us."
Abelkop says choosing to do something for teachers made brainstorming the mission more than a business decision.
"There are things we do for business reasons, and things we do for personal reasons," he says.
In the last year, the foundation has raised more than $100,000, and teachers and schools within the 11-state Krystal footprint can apply for grants of between $1,000 and $2,500 to help them in their jobs. The money can be used for math, arts, science, athletics, culinary instruction, music, whatever the teacher needs.
Abelkop says the foundation "reserves the right to grow smarter" regarding the grant amounts and who can qualify. Currently, it is primarily aimed at teachers and school-related clubs, but if a school can "articulate the need," it would be considered, he says. The same goes for awarding more than $2,500.
"If the football team is the heart of the community and has a particular need, we would certainly look at that," he says. "We want to make an impact."
Lindsey Peters, a teacher in one of Florida's magnet high schools, said in a news release that she "can't tell you how much 'extra' programs mean to kids and families."
"A light goes on inside them and you can see it positively influence everything they do," she said. "It's amazing that Krystal is working to make that possible for so many students."
Starting this year, the foundation will collect applications three times a year, in spring (March 1-April 1), fall (Sept. 1-Oct. 1) and winter (Nov. 1-Dec. 1). Three winning schools or teachers will be chosen each cycle. Applications can be found at www.thekrystalfoundation.com.
Krystal Co. was founded in Chattanooga in 1932 and is the oldest quick-service restaurant chain in the South. It has 350 restaurants in 11 states: Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Virginia, Arkansas and North Carolina.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.