Chik-fil-A founder will help Va. benefit

ROANOKE, Va. (AP) — The founder of a restaurant chain known for his religious views is lending a hand to a Virginia group’s attempt to build a Christian school system.

Truett Cathy, the founder and chairman of Atlanta-based Chik-fil-A, will speak at a Wednesday benefit for the Renewanation group in Roanaoke.

Renewation was founded last year to create an affordable school system to teach children from a Christian perspective. The Roanoke-based group hopes to raise $3 million by the end of the year.

Cathy’s restaurants are closed on Sundays, and some outlets collect customers’ prayer requests.

Renewanation President Melvin Adams says local Chik-fil-A employees were instrumental in getting Cathy to appear at the fundraiser.