May 18, 2017
Congratulations to Pam Kirkpatrick and Michael Brown of Graham Restaurant Group who were recently presented the 2016 Best Overall Community Engagement Award. Graham Restaurant Group owns and operates four Goodcents locations in Bonner Springs and Topeka, Kan.
The Community Engagement Award is the top award presented annually to one outstanding franchisee by the Goodcents corporate team. A selection committee looks for franchisees that go above and beyond to get involved and give back to local businesses, schools, non-profits or other community organizations. The annual awards program also recognizes excellence in Delivery, Catering, Guest Services and more throughout its national franchise system.
“We pride ourselves on being a community-driven organization and we encourage all of our franchisees to get involved and support local causes and organizations in the communities they serve,” said Scott Ford, president of Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs. “Pam and Michael make it part of their job every day and have done an amazing job making an impact in our community.”
Last year, Kirkpatrick and Brown helped raise more than $15,000 for one of their customer’s who is fighting cancer. They also raised $10,000 for Gold Glove Charities, a small non-profit founded in Bonner Springs that is dedicated to raising research money to help cure pediatric cancer.
As part of the Gold Glove initiative, they led a variety of fundraising events and in-store giveaways in Bonner Springs and Topeka to help fund gifts and experiences for pediatric patients. This included hundreds of plush stuffed animal gorillas that were hand-delivered to children at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City to encourage strength and endurance while they are in the hospital.
“Staying involved and giving back to special people and organizations in our community is very important to us,” said Pam Kirkpatrick, Director of Operational Affairs for Graham Restaurant Group. “It is so fulfilling to help make a difference in the lives of people who need our support.”
Kirkpatrick and Brown regularly help with the Eat to Earn program for their local school districts, donate food for the YMCA children’s movie nights, supply food for the Relay for Life race, and many other events.