NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Son of a Saint, the New Orleans-headquartered nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring mentorship and transforming the lives of fatherless boys, is thrilled to announce its standing as a finalist for the prestigious Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards grant funding opportunity. The Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards are an initiative that recognizes and supports nonprofit organizations making a significant impact on youth in their communities.
Each year, the Chick-fil-A Foundation awards a round of True Inspiration Award grants to local organizations inspiring youth in their communities. Through public voting via the Chick-fil-A One mobile app, from now until Sept. 23, Son of a Saint has the chance to increase its grant award funding from $30,000 to $200,000. The grant award will be realized in 2024. With a shared commitment to inspiring and empowering youth, Son of a Saint’s mission aligns perfectly with the values of the True Inspiration Awards.
“We are deeply honored and excited to be named a finalist for the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards,” said Son of a Saint Founder and CEO Bivian “Sonny” Lee III. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team and the positive impact we have made in the lives of young men who have faced adversity. It reaffirms our belief that, with the right support and mentorship, these young men can achieve their full potential. We’re optimistic and looking forward to positive results throughout the public voting period.”
Son of a Saint was founded in 2011 with a commitment to providing mentorship, education, mental health support, and other essential services to young men aged 10 to 21 who have lost their fathers. The organization has successfully helped its mentees navigate the challenges of adolescent development, equipping them with the skills and opportunities needed to lead fulfilling lives. Son of a Saint has increased its class of mentees from 10 boys in its founding year to its current slate of more than 200 young men — marking a twenty-fold increase in its 12 years of existence.
The Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards grant funding would yield a significant boost to Son of a Saint’s mission, enabling the organization to expand its programs and reach even more young men in need. The funds would be used to enhance mentorship programs, offer educational opportunities, and provide crucial resources to empower these young individuals to break systemic cycles and achieve success through positive exposure and experiences.
“We’re excited that Son of a Saint has been selected as a finalist for the True Inspiration Award. Their mission is in line with Chick-fil-A New Orleans to have a positive influence in our community. We’re confident that our customers throughout Louisiana and the gulf south will support the only local organization from our area to have this opportunity this year,” said Chris Salomone, local restaurant Operator of Chick-fil-A Kenner.
Official instructions to cast a Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards vote for Son of a Saint, include:
- Signing in to a Chick-fil-A One account (or downloading and creating one) in the Chick-fil-A One app
- Selecting ‘Rewards’ at the bottom of the screen
- Selecting ‘News’ on the top left of the screen
- Clicking the ‘Vote Now’ button
- Selecting Southwest Region
- Casting a vote for Son of a Saint! Every vote counts from now until September 23!
Son of a Saint extends its gratitude to Chick-fil-A for their commitment to supporting organizations that make a difference in the lives of young people. The organization eagerly anticipates the results of the True Inspiration Awards and remains dedicated to its mission of transforming the lives of fatherless young men in the community.
