Adoption collage image
Foster Care Adoption
Every year, more than 20,000 young people leave foster care without a permanent family. Since 1992, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption has made it its mission to find forever families for children in foster care and fulfill Dave Thomas’ vision that every child has a permanent and loving home.
adoption image 2 of kids
To date, the Wendy’s System has raised more than $257 million to help advance the Foundation’s lifechanging programs, including Wendy’s Wonderful Kids®, through which nearly 12,000 children have been adopted across the U.S. and Canada. In 2021 alone, Wendy’s, along with our franchisees and employees, raised more than $22.5 million to benefit the Foundation’s mission through:
- In-restaurant fundraising campaigns in the U.S. and Canada
- Wendy’s Family Night at our annual franchise and supplier convention
- Frosty 5K Run for Adoption
- Donations from our generous partners, Coca-Cola® and Dr Pepper®, via an in-app redemption program through which more than 181,000 Wendy’s U.S. customers received a free beverage of any size with purchase
"The commitment of the entire Wendy’s family to raise funds, allowing us to dramatically increase the number of adoptions of children waiting in North America’s foster care systems, has changed the journey for nearly 12,000 children. Together, we will achieve Dave Thomas’ dream that every child waiting in foster care will quickly be surrounded by the comfort and safety that only a permanent, loving family can provide."
- Rita Soronen
President and CEO, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Rita DTFA headshot