Last year, airports in Buffalo, New York and San Antonio blocked the restaurant from opening at their sites because of the company’s record on gay rights. When misinformation is perpetuated without fact, our ability to serve those in need, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or any other factor, is at risk."Ĭhick-fil-A, which operates about 2,400 restaurants, had been also taking heat from gay-rights supporters, which had impeded some of its growth efforts. "We serve more than 23 million individuals a year, including those in the LGBTQ+ community," the Salvation Army told FOX Business in a statement. "In fact, we believe we are the largest provider of poverty relief to the LGBTQ+ population. The Salvation Army said in November that it was "saddened" by Chick-fil-A's decision.
Cathy understands how many evangelicals perceived the company's decision, as he stated that these Christian groups were 'inadvertently discredited.' The fact that Dan Cathy called these two Christian groups 'outstanding organizations' will mean a lot to evangelicals." "This response was a welcomed clarification," Wildmon wrote. "It appears that Mr. Cathy, I asked him two questions: (1) Will Chick-fil-A publicly state that it does not believe the Salvation Army and FCA are hate groups because of the ministries' beliefs about sexuality, marriage, and family? (2) Will you publicly state that Chick-fil-A will not hesitate to fund these two ministries again, should the opportunity arise in the future?" Wildmon wrote on AFA's website. GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE The foundation also gave $6,000 to the Paul Anderson Youth Homes.Ĭathy said the company's commitment to its "corporate purpose" - "To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come into contact with Chick-fil-A" - is not waning. In 20, the Chick-fil-A Foundation gave $2.4 million to the Missouri-based Fellowship of Christian Athletes for sports camps for underserved youth, and $165,000 to the Salvation Army to buy Christmas gifts for needy children. The loss of funding from the chain, famous for refusing to open on Sundays because of its founder's religious beliefs, is significant to the organizations. "Chick-fil-A will give to faith-based and other organizations that we believe to be highly effective in a particular area."Ĭhick-fil-A's devoted conservative fanbase dealt the company some harsh criticism after it cut off support for three groups that oppose gay marriage and have drawn the ire of protesters. "The intent of our corporate giving has always been to have impact - not to make a statement or support a political or social agenda," Cathy continued. "We inadvertently discredited several outstanding organizations that have effectively served communities for years."ĬHICK-FIL-A IS HERE TO SERVE EVERYBODY, FORMER EXECUTIVE SAYS
"We understand how some thought we were abandoning our longstanding support of faith-based organization," Cathy wrote in a letter to Tim Wildmon, president of the American Family Association. Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy admitted in a letter to the American Family Association that the fast-food chain "inadvertently discredited" groups including the Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes after changing its "giving strategy."