The Tom Joyner Foundation received a $25,000 check from the Denny’s Corporation , franchisor and operator of one of America’s largest full-service restaurant chains, during the 2014 Fantastic Voyage as part of the Hungry For Education (HFE) scholarship program students attending selected Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The check presentation capped off a lively seminar entitled “Straight Talk” on the cruise, which featured a conversation between Chef Jeff, Brenda Lauderback, a member of Denny’s Board of Directors and VaShawn Mitchell, the gospel recording artist and spokesperson. Sybil Wilkes, “Tom Joyner Morning Show” co-host, moderated the hour-long panel that focused on diversity and inclusion. During a raffle after the panel, five lucky members of the audience – Anthony Jones, Trumel Lamb, Regina Lander and Glenda Lewis – won free Original Grand Slam® breakfasts for a year.
“You know I love a party with a purpose, so for Denny’s to present this check on the Fantastic Voyage – the ‘Ultimate Party with a Purpose’ – makes this event even more memorable,” said Tom Joyner, the foundation’s chairman and host of the nationally syndicated “Tom Joyner Morning Show.” “This scholarship program is another great example of how the Foundation and Denny’s are doing what it takes to help students pursue their college dreams.”
Thomas Joyner Jr., president and chief executive officer of the Foundation, stressed the importance of the Denny’s partnership and helping students at HBCUs. “This Denny’s partnership is an important part of helping the Foundation fulfill its mission to keep students in HBCUs.”
April Kelly-Drummond, Denny’s director of corporate diversity and community affairs, said, “With the help of the Tom Joyner Foundation, Denny’s has provided support for more than 300 deserving high school and college students, contributing more than $525,000 to the Foundation’s programs and scholarship funds. We love working with Tom and look forward to continuing our 12-year partnership – and helping students succeed – for many, many more years to come.”
