Record levels of employee contributions and
corporate giving warrant new leadership role to manage aggressive
effort to give back to communities, says company CEO
SPRINGFIELD, Mo., May 14, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Employees of Hamra Enterprises, a Springfield, Mo.-based family-owned
owner/operator of nearly 200 restaurants nationwide, have stepped
up and set records for team member giving, leading the company to
establish the position of Director of Giving to focus on
philanthropic assistance to communities and employees.
Rachael Sellhorn of Collierville, Tenn., has been named as
Hamra Enterprises' first Director of Giving, and joins the
company's management as part of the administrative team.
Mike Hamra, CEO of Hamra
Enterprises, said a senior-level employee dedicated to overseeing
the company's giving programs is a natural progression from a
philosophy established when the company was founded nearly a
half-century ago.
"Our company proudly embraces a commitment to our team members,
as well as the communities we serve, and I am overwhelmed by the
support from our employees to this philosophy," Hamra said. "By
naming a Director of Giving dedicated solely to these efforts,
Hamra Enterprises will be better positioned to give back to the
individuals, families, and communities who have contributed
significantly to our success."
Selhourn started her career with Panera Bread 13 years ago as
Director of Catering. Since becoming part of Hamra Enterprises, she
has worked within the company as a volunteer supporting Hamra
Enterprises' employee emergency assistance program, the HERO (Hamra
Employees Reaching Out) Fund. Given her leadership and commitment
to people, she will now oversee the fund's administration, as well
as all of the company's philanthropic efforts.
"This exciting new role shows our company's deep commitment to
giving back," Sellhorn said. "I always hoped I could find a way to
combine working in the hospitality industry with my passion for
philanthropy, but had no idea how to make that happen. Working for
Hamra has opened up that possibility for me."
The HERO Fund was created as an emergency relief fund serving
employees of all Hamra Enterprises entities, and serves team
members in the 11 states Hamra operates. This year marks an
all-time high for team member participation, with 66% contributing
companywide. With Hamra's company match, this represents more than
$22,000 every two weeks (more than
$617,000 a year) available to assist
Hamra team members in times of need, and more, such as help with
funeral expenses, emergency housing, or a first-time home purchase.
A new grant has been introduced to assist in the adoption of a
child, with additional expansions coming later this year. In 2023
the HERO Fund dispersed 173 emergency grants and 163 tuition
reimbursement grants, and this year expects to support more than
200 team members going back to school.
As the Director of Giving, Sellhorn will also manage the
company's support for non-profit organizations that focus on
children's health. In recent years Hamra Enterprises has donated
more than $5.8 million to
organizations on the community, regional, and national levels,
including Boston Children's Hospital, Children's Miracle Network
Hospitals, Make-A-Wish Illinois, St. Jude Children's Research
Hospital, St. Louis Crisis Nursery, and the Dave Thomas Foundation
for Adoption.
Hamra Enterprises owns and operates restaurants under the
Wendy's, Panera Bread, Noodles and Company, and Caribou Coffee
brands in Missouri and
Illinois, and throughout New
England and the Deep South.
About Hamra Enterprises
Hamra Enterprises is a dynamic
organization owned and founded in 1975 by the Hamra family with its
headquarters in Springfield,
Missouri, and includes four restaurant brands with more than
7,400 employees in 11 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Mississippi, New
Hampshire and Tennessee.
Hamra Enterprises is committed to providing the highest quality
products and services within the hospitality industry, creating
exceptional experiences for people and communities by engaging each
of its restaurant neighborhoods through community service,
fundraising, and other philanthropic partnerships. For more
information, visit hamraenterprises.com.
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SOURCE Hamra Enterprises