Giving Back - The DNA That Makes Us, Us - Part 1
You’ll hear businesses boast about their donations, their involvement in the community, or their sponsorship of a certain event; however, how often do you actually see that business actively involved? Outside of a publicized check presentation most people don’t see the work that is being done. It can be difficult for a community to feel a real connection in this type of situation because there’s a disconnect between the business, its owners, and its workers and the people in the community when all that seems to be taking place is a fundraiser and then cutting a check.
What people want, now more than ever, is a true sense of community. In a world of digital overindulgence people are clamoring for true connection. Real is the new real, not waving your hands and shouting “Look at me! Look what I did! Praise me!”. Genuine relationships are driving people’s choices now more than ever.
This is how Puckett’s Restaurant supports our communities. It’s not boastful. It’s not loud. It’s done through connections that have been built and nurtured over the years. It’s the extra little gestures that are sprinkled in and make someone feel special, feel seen. It’s giving back as a way to say thank you for the support through the year. Puckett’s wouldn’t continue to be here without the support and love from our communities.
Giving back runs deep through Puckett’s roots. Whether it’s a local Boys & Girls Club, the VFW, or an organization focused on underserved families, Puckett’s is focused on supporting organizations that directly support and impact our communities.
What’s the driving factor, though? Our founder, Andy Marshall, is a former Boys & Girls Club kid, and he credits the club with setting him on a straight path and keeping him off the streets. Now he’s able to give back to the club that poured support and love into him. Whether it’s through our annual Puckett’s Love program that provides free meals to Boys & Girls Club kids during spring and summer break, working directly with club kids to create special menu items with a donation back to the club, or sponsoring a special event - Andy has made it part of Puckett’s mission to show up and pour love and support into these kids. Who knows, they may become the next big successful entrepreneur!
The Boys & Girls Club isn’t the only youth organization that Puckett’s Restaurant, and A. Marshall Hospitality, supports. ProStart, a program offered by high schools across the country that teaches business management and culinary arts, is supported by Puckett’s and AMH through multiple channels. AMH staff help judge the annual ProStart state competition and have individuals judging in both the management and culinary divisions. Once the competition is finished, some of our staff take time each week to help coach and mentor the winning teams before the students head to the national competition. While a financial contribution is also made to help support the teams as they compete at the national level, it’s the relationship between the students and our staff that makes the biggest impact on the program and the kids.
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Written by: Graci Burnett
Marketing Manager, A. Marshall Hospitality
Graci has been part of the AMH family since 2015, and when she’s not keeping the marketing train chugging along, you might find her out on a hike soaking in mountain views, cheering on the Vols (GBO!), catching a live music festival or spending time with her family.