ROOM IN YOUR Heart

During our 2025 fiscal year, we continued expanding and sustaining the impact of Wendy’s Wonderful Kids in currently scaled states, began scaling in West Virginia and welcomed the first recruiters to serve youth in Puerto Rico.

Sean’s adoption journey began when he was a newborn. Due to his biological mother’s struggle with addiction, Sean was immediately placed into foster care, where he met Patricia, the first person who would adopt him.

Unfortunately, when Sean was 10 years old, Patricia’s declining health meant she could no longer care for him.

Sean was then placed into foster care again and spent the next five years in a behavioral facility.

When he was in the seventh grade, Sean formed a special bond with his school librarian, Laura.

“His teacher told me that he was in a group home … I didn’t know that was a thing … that a seventh grader could be in a group home,” shared Laura.

As Laura and Sean’s bond grew, and Laura’s husband, Dave, learned about their relationship, it became clear to the couple what they should do.

To advance our mission, the Foundation believes it is not just about building an approach that finds forever homes for the longest-waiting children in foster care. It is about understanding the needs and lived experiences of the children and youth we serve, improving access for families who want to adopt and building an organization that supports the broader child welfare community in the U.S. and Canada.

This is why the Foundation’s strategic priorities and signature programs are grounded in research and created with a racial equity lens.

Read the full annual report to learn more about how we are advancing these priorities in partnership with our caring community of supporters.

Roof Maxx, a national roof restoration company, believes that giving back is essential to a company’s purpose and long-term success. Through its commitment to donate 1.5% of annual product sales to the Foundation, Roof Maxx is helping ensure that youth lingering in foster care have the opportunity to grow up in loving, forever families.

Over the last year, Roof Maxx contributed more than $303,000 to advance the Foundation’s work, through corporate giving and grassroots efforts by their national dealers. That generosity was on full display at the company’s annual conference in New Orleans, where more than 500 employees gathered to celebrate their impact, raise additional funds through a live auction and hear directly from the Foundation’s team about the difference they’re helping to make.

We’re especially grateful to Bridgeman Foods, Inc., a valued franchise group, for helping us bring a long-time vision to life: piloting Round Up across 12 restaurant locations!

This new campaign invites customers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar and donate to the Foundation — and it’s already making a big impact.

Following a successful pilot with Bridgeman Foods, Inc., Round Up began in more than 400 restaurants during the last year.

Bridgeman Foods, Inc. was founded by Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA player, restaurant entrepreneur and board member at the Foundation. Sadly, Junior passed away in March 2025. We hold a deep gratitude in our hearts for Junior and all that he did in service of our mission.

FRIENDS OF ADOPTION MEMBER
Charlene Hosey
Charlene Hosey is deeply invested in the Foundation’s mission. As an adoptive parent, she knows firsthand how the stability and support of a permanent family can make all the difference in a child’s life.

Charlene and her late husband, Mike, adopted James when he was 7 years old. At the time, they had one biological son and had just learned they were expecting a baby. But they knew James, who had lived in 12 different foster homes, needed a loving forever family and welcomed him with open arms.

A few years later, their local agency reached out about Steve, a 14-year-old who had been in and out of several foster homes and spent two years in a psychiatric hospital. Charlene and her family opened their hearts once again, adopting Steve and working closely with the agency to support his transition.

Now grown, both sons are thriving. James is a dedicated father of three, a recent “Employee of the Year” at his company, and the proud parent of a college graduate. Steve, who earned his Eagle Scout rank not long after being adopted, lives nearby and shares a close relationship with Charlene.

“Children need permanent, secure families,” Charlene shared. “Every child deserves this, and the Foundation provides resources to help make that happen.”

EVENT FUNDRAISING
Herb Aydelott Golf Memorial
Herb Aydelott, who passed away in August 2024, was the founder of Aydelott Equipment, Inc., a Wendy’s supplier and a long-time Foundation supporter. In his memory, Herb’s children hosted the Herb Aydelott Golf Memorial, raising more than $55,000 to benefit our mission.

“The Herb Aydelott Memorial Golf Tournament was such a bright spot in a tough year,” said Nicole Aydelott, Herb’s daughter. “Having friends, family and business partners unite in giving to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, an organization my Dad cared so deeply about, has been incredible.”

Thank you to the Aydelott family and business for your commitment to finding permanent homes for children lingering in foster care.

Taste of Dublin
Dublin, Ohio’s annual Taste of Dublin event is a culinary celebration of all the community has to offer. This year, Taste of Dublin selected the Foundation as the charity beneficiary for the event, transforming a delicious day of food and friendship into something even more meaningful.

Thanks to all the local restaurants, caterers, specialty food vendors and the more than 1,000 business professionals and community members who attended, this year’s 21^st Annual Taste of Dublin raised more than $5,000 to benefit the Foundation.

Thank you to everyone who attended the event, and to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce for selecting the Foundation as the charity partner — helping to raise funds and awareness for the Foundation’s mission.