Culver’s Raises Over $360,000 for Agricultural Organizations in 2016

PRAIRIE DU SAC, Wis. – Feb. 1, 2017 –Culver’s restaurants across 24 states continue to build support for American agriculture as part of the chain’s Thank You Farmers program. Since its inception in 2013 over a million dollars has been raised in support of the National FFA Organization, local FFA chapters and a variety of other agricultural organizations. Culver's remains committed to sourcing the finest ingredients America's family growers have to offer. The restaurant chain has turned its gratitude into full-fledged support of today's farm families, while providing financial support to those young people wishing to pursue a career in agriculture. In 2016, over $360,000 was raised for local FFA chapters, the National FFA Foundation and other agricultural organizations across the country. Included is over $31,000 for the Blue Jacket program, where Culver’s sponsors the cost of purchasing FFA jackets for members who otherwise wouldn't be able to own this special attire. In addition, following the passing of Culver’s President and CEO Phil Keiser last fall, $25,000 was contributed in his name for an FFA endowment scholarship. “We’re proud to see the enthusiasm with which our franchisees and guests have supported Thank You Farmers,” said Jessie Corning, senior marketing manager and member of the National FFA Foundation Sponsors’ board of directors. “We recognize the hard work and dedication of farm families and building awareness of the critical role agriculture has in our lives.” As the Thank You Farmers program enters its fifth year, Culver’s will be involved in fundraising opportunities during National FFA week beginning Feb. 18. Included is the annual essay contest where FFA chapters have the chance to win money toward a trip to the 2017 National FFA Convention & Expo. Culver’s will also be signing up restaurants to sponsor additional FFA jackets. About Culver’s Culver’s serves fresh food, always cooked to order, with genuine family values to each and every guest. Culver’s is currently operating more than 600 restaurants in 24 states. The restaurants’ award-winning customer service is based on small-town, midwestern values, genuine friendliness and an unwavering commitment to quality and freshness. Signature items include the ButterBurger®, made from fresh, never frozen Midwest-raised beef, and Fresh Frozen Custard, including the famous Flavor of the Day program. For more information, visit www.culvers.com, www.culvers.com/facebook, www.twitter.com/culvers, www.gplus.to/culvers or http://www.instagram.com/culvers. About National FFA Organization The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 649,355 student members as part of 7,859 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is supported by 225,891 alumni members in 1,934 local FFA Alumni chapters throughout the U.S. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress, and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook, Twitter and the official National FFA Organization blog. About National FFA Foundation The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agriculture education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA alumni, the foundation is a separately-registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of all sponsorship dollars received by the foundation support FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more information, visit the National FFA Foundation at http://www.FFA.org/Give.