In a heartwarming display of cross-community support, the Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation recently made a significant contribution to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), aiding their mission to send local, economically disadvantaged athletes to summer camp.

On April 7, 2024, Andrew Fortner, the Northern Middle Tennessee Metro Director of FCA, received a call from the Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation expressing their desire to make a substantial donation to support the FCA's initiative. The catalyst for this gesture came from Kelly Replogle, the Mid-Western District Manager for Buffalo Wild Wings, prompted by a conversation with Bryan Meikrantz, the Middle Tennessee District Manager.

“I was talking with Brian, and he said he had some extra money to donate. I said, ‘maybe we can help out FCA with this money for scholarships for athletes to go to summer camp,’” Kelly recalled, already acquainted with FCA's positive impact in the Middle Tennessee area.

The funds, sourced through Buffalo Wild Wings' annual September fundraiser called Eat Wings, Raise Funds, exemplifies the company's commitment to giving back to the community. Through this program, Buffalo Wild Wings sports bars have donated more than $1 million to local organizations that assist youth and families in need, military families and disaster relief efforts.

The Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation website states its commitment to narrowing the accessibility divide, aiming to offer more children the chance to enjoy the camaraderie of team sports. Their financial support empowers local communities by enabling investments in facility enhancements, uniforms, gear, transportation, and coaching development. Funds raised are reinvested directly into local communities, fostering improvements in sports infrastructure, outfitting teams with uniforms and equipment, facilitating transportation, supporting staff, and enhancing coaching through training and certification, among other initiatives.

"A significant portion of the funds usually supports the Boys and Girls Club, but we also allocate resources to other deserving local causes," Kelly explained. 

When Kelly and Bryan agreed FCA would be a great fit, they started the process of getting it approved by the Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation, and surprisingly, it was given the green light. 

This collaboration underscores the essence of community support, enabling low-income families to access enriching summer camp experiences they might otherwise miss out on. FCA's summer camps not only foster athletic development but also nurture leadership skills and a spirit of service, all grounded in Christian principles.

"Our camps create lasting memories and forge lifelong friendships for local students," noted Matti Fortner, who, alongside her husband Andrew, champions FCA's mission in the Northern Middle Tennessee Metro area.

While the exact grant amount remains undisclosed by the Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation, its impact is palpable. With the ability to provide full camp scholarships for over 25 local student athletes, this contribution significantly enhances FCA's ability to fulfill its mission.

"We firmly believe that no student should miss out on camp due to financial constraints," emphasized Matti. "This grant empowers us to extend scholarships to deserving students from economically challenged backgrounds, ensuring they can benefit from our summer camp programs."

For local student athletes eager to seize this opportunity, FCA encourages local student athletes to check out their website or use this contact form to reach out. 

"FCA is an international organization but here locally, our goal is to serve every school in our area," affirmed Matti. "Our aim is to ensure that every coach, athlete, and individual feels embraced and encouraged by FCA's presence."

In a world often divided by differences, this collaboration between Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes serves as a beacon of unity, illustrating the transformative power of community support.