Claypool Hill Wendy’s Donates to Great Expectations program

CLAYPOOL HILL, VA – Cherie Fields, franchise owner of the Wendy’s in Claypool Hill, presented a check to Susan Lowe, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Southwest Virginia Community College. Ms. Fields was drawn to give back to the community that has continued to support her business. In addition to giving to her employees, she also donated a generous amount to the Great Expectations program at Southwest Virginia Community College. Great Expectations is a program offered at community colleges across Virginia, created to benefit students who are now or have been affiliated with the foster care system. Counselors work directly with students to help with applying to college, counseling, life skills training, and financial assistance. 

Ms. Fields has worked with Wendy’s for over 35 years, owns three franchise locations in Claypool Hill, Richlands, and Tazewell and she runs an additional three locations in the area. Acknowledging that is has been a challenge to run a business during the past few months, she said “I am thankful that we’ve been able to keep our drive-thru open and are able to continue to serve our customers.” Ms. Fields continued with, “We have done well over the last few months and I felt that it was important to give back to the community.” 

On behalf of Great Expectations and Southwest Virginia Community College, we would like to thank Wendy’s and Cherie Fields for this donation. If you are interested in supporting the Great Expectations Program at Southwest Virginia Community College, please contact Susan Lowe at susan.lowe@sw.edu or call 276-964-7304.

Pictured (above) front row: Cherie Fields (Wendy’s franchise owner), Susan Lowe (VP at Southwest), Audrey Viars (Wendy’s store manager). Back row: Wendy’s staff members Ashley Patrick, Susan Zhao, Connie Thompson, and Donald Hagy.