Submitted
Wings Etc. presented St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with a check for $100,000 at the 2025 Wings Etc. Brand Summit, held Sept. 22 to 24 at Four Winds Casino Hotel in South Bend, Ind.
The gift, powered by guest generosity and The Wings Etc. Foundation’s commitment to “improving children’s lives,” brings total donations since September 2023 to $150,000.
“St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis is a leader in changing outcomes for children affected by cancer and other diseases,” said Eric Stuczynski, Wings Etc. CDO/CPO and president of The Wings Etc. Foundation. “We’re honored to stand with them and to engage our guests and franchise family in supporting their life-saving mission.”
At the brand summit, Stuczynski reaffirmed the partnership, announcing an ambitious plan to raise $1 million for St. Jude by 2030.
“Wings Etc. is eager to be truly impactful in improving the lives of children,” Stuczynski said. “We’re driven to be an enterprise for good, and we know that St. Jude is leading the way, giving hope to children and their families.”
The $100,000 contribution reflects Wings Etc. customer donations collected since April 2024 through Wings Etc. restaurants, with support coming from in-store messaging, social media outreach, round-up campaigns, and special events. Franchisees and corporate leaders also host charity tournaments and community fundraisers that fuel the partnership.
“We are immensely grateful for the support of Wings Etc. leadership, patrons and franchisees who selflessly support the families of St. Jude,” said Patrick Schaecher, Midwest Territory Area Executive Director for ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Generous donations from partners like Wings Etc. help ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – so they can focus on helping their child live.”
The Wings Etc. Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization founded in September 2023, reflects Wings Etc.’s deep commitment to community and children’s health. The foundation and its partners also support Big Brothers Big Sisters, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Toys for Tots, and dozens of local causes in Wings Etc. markets. The company’s commitment to St. Jude represents its biggest singular effort to date.
Wings Etc. corporate leaders and franchise owner-operators are leaning into the campaign, expecting to accelerate giving and achieve the seven-figure mark in the next five years.
“This is a cause we can all get behind,” Stuczynski said, “and we’re excited to make a lasting difference.”
For more information on The Wings Etc. Foundation, visit wingsetcfoundation.com.