Who We Are

The Burger King Foundation is a U.S. based 501(c)(3) public nonprofit that believes without education you limit your potential to be your own way. Inspired by Burger King Restaurants co-founder, Jim McLamore, it's our mission to create brighter futures by empowering individuals and feeding potential through education and emergency relief. As a global Foundation, the Burger King Foundation partners with select nonprofits focusing on scholarships, literacy, and creating sustainable learning environments.
Who We Are

Our story started with Burger King co-founder James “Jim” W. McLamore’s philosophy of giving back to his community and the institutions that helped develop him along the way. His unwavering dedication to bettering the lives of those around him inspired the creation of the BK℠ Scholars Program in 2000 by a group of franchisees.

In 2011, the McLamore Family added a new category to the BK Scholars program to help make an even greater impact.  The James W. McLamore WHOPPER® Scholarship Award was created, allowing the Foundation to grant three $60,000 awards to deserving students each year.

In addition to granting scholarships, the BK℠ Emergency Fund, established in2004, provides a helping hand during times of need to Burger King team members and their families. This program assists BK® employees with short-term, immediate assistance in situations such as medical illnesses, natural disasters, rebuilding after house fires and other emergencies.

Expanding on Jim’s vision, drive and commitment for helping others, both programs came together under the creation of what is now known as the Burger King Foundation in 2005.

With the continued support of our loyal franchisees, vendor partners, restaurant guests, and the BK Scholars alumni, the Burger King Foundation continues to honor Jim and his passion for education. His legacy will live on through the students and BK team members touched by the Foundation.

Our Board of Directors

Chris Johnson

President, Rackson Restaurants Corp.

Dan Fitzpatrick

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Quality Dining, Inc., Burger King Foundation Co-Chairman

Eileen Begley

Director of Marketing, Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.

Gary Moore

Solid Silver Services, LLC

Isabel Turull

Chief Executive Officer, Burger King Dominican Republic

Luke Pisors

Chief Executive Officer, Ambrosia QSR

Patrick O'Toole

Chief Marketing Officer, Burger King

Peter Perdue

Sr. Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Burger King

Rachel Levins

Partner, The Phoenix Organization

Raj Varman

Chief Executive Officer, Burger King India

Richard Santowski

Kollhorst Foods LLC

Robes St. Juste

Chief Executive Officer, St. Juste Management Corp.

Tom Curtis

President, Burger King North America, Burger King Foundation Co-Chairman

Tom McDonald

President, Glencoe Management

Our Management Team

Tom Curtis

President

Katie Lewis

Executive Director

Ana Gonzalez

Finance & Accounting

Kiara Weiser

Fundraising and Global

Talia Gonzalez

Programs

Britni Garcia

In-Restaurant Fundraising Development

Frances Hassun-Franco

Events & Sponsorships

Mercedes Garcia

Finance

Our Officers

Jackie Friesner

Board of Directors Officer, Treasurer

Robin Schafer

Board of Directors Officer, Secretary