Hooters Announces $1 Million Breast Cancer Research Grant in the Name of Former Hooters Calendar Girl, Kelly Jo Dowd
Source: Hooters of America, Inc.
Aug 4, 2006 - 7:46:00 AM
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ATLANTA, Aug. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- During the 10th Annual Hooters International Swimsuit Pageant in Las Vegas, Hooters presented a check to former Hooters Calendar Cover Girl, Kelly Jo Dowd, for $135,000 and announced a $1 million breast cancer research grant in her name through the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Hooters also presented Nick Valvano, CEO of the V Foundation, with the first of five $100,000 annual donations to be raised by Hooters Restaurants across the country. The V Foundation agreed to match the $500,000 to fund the Kelly Jo Dowd $1 Million grant.
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Kelly Jo Dowd was one of the original Hooters Girls, graced the cover of the 1995 Hooters Calendar and worked her way up the Hooters ranks to manager of the location in Palm Harbor, Florida. In 2002, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and despite radical and aggressive treatment, the cancer has spread and now she is in the fight of her life. Her story received national attention when ESPN covered her 13-year-old daughter, Dakoda Dowd, playing in an LPGA event to fulfill her mother's wish.
"We employ over 15,000 Hooters Girls around the world and have some 250,000 alumni. We have a responsibility to all Hooters Girls, past and present, to battle this dreaded disease," explained Mike McNeil, Vice President of Marketing for Hooters of America. "We also want to honor Kelly Jo for all she has done for Hooters." Hooters Girls across the country began selling Pink Hooters Girl Uniform Cards to raise money for Kelly Jo and the V Foundation in July. In just one month, through the sales of the cards and other local fundraising efforts, the restaurants raised $235,000. The $1 Million will be awarded in five $200,000 grants annually by the V Foundation's Scientific Review Committee to scientists conducting breast cancer research. The company is also working with Kelly Jo Dowd on a prevention and early detection awareness program for employees.
Hooters of America, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of over 430 Hooters restaurants in 46 states and 20 foreign countries. Hooters is very involved with charities and organizations nationwide through HOO.C.E.F., the Hooters Community Endowment Fund. The fund was started in 1992 and has raised and contributed over 8 million dollars to major non-profit organizations like Make-A-Wish Foundation, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, American Diabetes Association, Special Olympics, Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
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