Pizza Hut franchisees donate $1.5 million to Wichita Boys and Girls Club

DALLAS — In honor of Pizza Hut's history and tradition in Wichita, 11 area Pizza Hut franchisee groups announced they will make a $1.5 million contribution to the Wichita Boys and Girls Club. According to a news release, the Wichita Pizza Hut franchisees made the gift jointly with Dallas-based Pizza Hut Inc.

Pizza Hut co-founder Dan Carney also made a substantial contribution.

"The new facility for the Boys and Girls Club will provide opportunities for years to come for young people in Wichita," said Ken Wagnon, Wichita resident and Pizza Hut franchisee. "Our Pizza Hut family enthusiastically came together to ensure that this vision becomes a reality."

The contribution represents a major chunk of an overall $8 million capital fundraising campaign created to build a 41,200 square-foot recreational facility for the club. The facility will include a self-contained teen center, a clock tower, exterior courtyards and lighted football/soccer fields, as well as a radio station.

"We are especially happy to join with our Wichita franchisees in contributing to this important project in the city where Pizza Hut was born," said Peter Hearl, president and chief concept officer of Pizza Hut Inc. "I am privileged to work with these franchisees who so generously give back to their community in so many ways."