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BBBSBG Selected as 2025 Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards® Grant Recipient

Jenn Goble • 15 January 2025

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass Selected as 2025 Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards® Grant Recipient

[Lexington, KY] (Jan. 15, 2025) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass (BBBSBG), a nonprofit mentoring organization dedicated to creating and supporting one-to-one relationships to ignite the biggest possible futures for youth in Central Kentucky, has been selected to receive a $125,000 grant as part of the 2025 Chick-fil-A True
Inspiration Awards® program. With this generous award, BBBSBG plans to enhance its programs, specifically expanding mentorship opportunities, and providing youth with access to experiences and support systems that will help them reach their full potential.


"We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from Chick-fil-A and thank local owner operator, Joe Turner, for nominating us," said Meredith Watts, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass. "This grant will allow us to strengthen and grow our mission to connect more children with caring mentors who help them build the confidence, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed. We are incredibly grateful for Chick-fil-A’s continued support and for their commitment to investing in organizations that make a lasting difference in our communities."


BBBSBG is one of 56 nonprofit organizations selected to receive a portion of the $6 million in grants being awarded through the True Inspiration Awards. These grants are given to organizations addressing critical community issues that align with Chick-fil-A’s social responsibility priorities, including Caring for People, Caring for Others through Food, Caring for Our Communities, and Caring for Our Planet.
   

The True Inspiration Awards were established in 2015 to carry on Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy’s legacy of generosity and community service. In the past ten years, 357grants ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, have been distributed to organizations located across the U.S. as well as Puerto Rico, Canada and the U.K.


“Chick-fil-A is honored to invest in the impactful work of these incredible organizations that are creating meaningful change in their local communities,” said Brent Fielder, Vice President of Global Impact for Chick-fil-A, Inc. “From fighting hunger and providing educational opportunities to fostering environmental stewardship, these nonprofits are shining examples of what it means to care for others and have a positive influence on
the world. We are inspired by their work and grateful to partner with them on this journey.”


To learn more about the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards program and see a full list of this year’s recipients, visit
chickfila.com/true-inspiration-awards.
 
 
About Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Chick-fil-A, Inc. is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States, known for its freshly prepared food, signature hospitality and unique franchise
model. More than 200,000 Team Members are employed by independent owner-operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada, and Puerto
Rico. In 2023, the company shared plans to expand by 2030 into Europe and Asia. Chick-fil-A owner-operators live and work in the communities their restaurants serve,
each supporting local efforts to address hunger, education, and making a positive impact. The family-owned and privately held company was founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.com and @ChickfilANews.
 
 
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass
For more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 6, 2025 Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass Appoints Meredith Downey Watts as Executive Director LEXINGTON, KY—Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass (BBBSBG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Meredith Downey Watts as Executive Director, effective January 1, 2025. Meredith joined BBBSBG in January 2022 as Major Gifts Officer, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing the organization's fundraising efforts. In October 2024, she assumed the position of Interim Executive Director, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication to the agency's mission. A native of Versailles, Kentucky, Meredith holds a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Strategic Communication from the University of Kentucky. Her professional background includes significant experience in community engagement and fundraising. "We are thrilled to have Meredith lead BBBSBG as Executive Director," said Abe Mashni, Board Chair of BBBSBG. "Her commitment to our mission and her proven track record in fundraising and leadership make her the ideal person to guide our organization into the future." Meredith's tenure as Interim Executive Director was marked by successful events and creative initiatives that strengthened BBBSBG's programs and community presence. Her vision for the organization includes expanding mentorship opportunities and deepening community partnerships to better serve the youth of Central Kentucky. "I am honored to take on the role of Executive Director at BBBSBG," said Watts. "I look forward to working with our dedicated team, volunteers, and supporters to continue making a positive impact in the lives of young people in our community."  About Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Serving Central Kentucky, BBBSBG works to ensure that every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass and its programs, please visit www.bbbs-bluegrass.org .
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