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Laura Melillo (502) 456-8042
Jean Litterst (502) 456-8366
Mary Puckett (312)240-2655
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) announces the second annual Colonel's™ Way Award, a national program celebrating the outstanding achievements of seniors. Named for famed entrepreneur and KFC founder, Colonel Harland Sanders, the Colonel's Way Award, which launches on the Colonel's birthday, recognizes persons 60 years of age or older who have made outstanding contributions to their communities in one of six categories: arts, business, community service, education, family and sports. The top prize is $10,000.
At 62, Colonel Sanders founded Kentucky Fried Chicken when he sold his first franchise for his Original Recipe® chicken. When he was 66, the Colonel retired from running his own restaurant and used his $105 Social Security check to travel the country selling Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises full time. In the heritage of Colonel Sanders, KFC's looking to find and recognize seniors who accomplish significant achievements later in life.
"Senior citizens are more active than ever and they have a lot to teach people of all generations," said Keith Chambers, KFC franchisee and chairman of KFC National Cooperative Advertising Program, Inc. "The Colonel became an American icon and a role model in his later years and in that spirit, the Colonel's Way Award celebrates the wonderful things older Americans are accomplishing and the tremendous impact they have on our society."
The award program is open to the public and anyone can nominate a senior 60 years of age or older by submitting a 250 words, or less, essay describing how the senior has made a significant contribution later in life. The program encourages young and old alike to think about how seniors have historically contributed to America.
Semifinalists are chosen from each state and the District of Columbia. Two finalists from each category will be judged for top honors. A judging panel comprised of experts on senior-related issues and KFC representatives will choose six category winners who will be honored at an awards ceremony in Corbin, Ky., KFC's birthplace, next July. In Corbin, the grand-prize winner will be announced and awarded $10,000. The nominator of the grand-prize winner also receives $1,000. In addition, each of the other five category winners receive $2,500 and their nominators receive $500.
Last year's grand-prize winner was Mary Bowermaster, 78, of Fairfield, Ohio. Bowermaster was named the top senior achiever for her inspiring athletic accomplishments and motivating work with mastectomy support groups. After battling breast cancer at the age of 61, she set age group records in track and field and won more than 350 gold medals in national and international competitions.
Essay entries must be postmarked by January 17, 1997. For entry information and award program rules, send a #10 self-addressed stamped envelope to Colonel's Way Award, 200 E. Randolph Dr., 63rd floor, Chicago, IL 60601.
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