Randolph, Mass. (October 21, 2003) -- President George W. Bush, during a visit to Manchester, NH on Thursday, October 9, 2003, recognized Dunkin' Donuts franchisee Robert Perkins for his outstanding community service efforts, most notably his efforts at spearheading a recent donation of nearly one and a half tons of Dunkin' Donuts coffee, which he gathered from local franchisees, to American servicemen and women stationed overseas.
Perkins, who owns and operates three Dunkin' Donuts stores in Milford, New Hampshire, joined a community-wide effort to collect goods for American troops overseas by organizing a donation of 2,800 pounds of Dunkin' Donuts coffee from store owners across New Hampshire. When brewed, the 2,800 pounds of beans yielded approximately 125,000 cups of coffee for our soldiers, many of whom had specifically requested their favorite Dunkin' Donuts blend.
"Dunkin' Donuts is committed to the communities where we do business," said Jon L. Luther, CEO, Allied Domecq Quick Service Restaurants. "Robert's community contributions are a great example of that commitment."
In addition to his work with Dunkin' Donuts, Perkins is a founder and current president of the Souhegan Valley Boys and Girls Club, an organization that provides disadvantaged youth with a safe place to learn and grow. Perkins has dedicated many hours creating and planning fundraising events, encouraging service donations among local businesses, and spending time with the children. Perkins' Dunkin' Donuts stores also support several other programs in the community, including Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, DARE and fire safety programs, and youth baseball teams.
Perkins's recognition comes through President Bush's USA Freedom Corps initiative, an effort to foster a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility. Through the USA Freedom Corps, President Bush hopes to help every American answer the call to volunteer service by strengthening and expanding service opportunities to protect our homeland, support our communities, and extend American compassion around the world.
Dunkin' Donuts Incorporated is the largest coffee and baked goods chain in the world with 5,700 locations in 29 countries worldwide. Dunkin' Donuts sells more regular coffee by the cup, donuts, bagels and muffins than any other retailer in the United States. Founded in 1950, Dunkin' Donuts is based in Randolph, MA, and is a division of Allied Domecq PLC, a global business in spirits, wines, and quick service restaurants. For more information, visit www.dunkindonuts.com.
