Helping Hands Award Dinner – Employee Seats
Center for Hospice Care will recognize the “King of Quality” with the 40th Helping Hands Award on May 7, 2025. Join us as we honor
Since 1985, the Helping Hands Award has honored an individual, couple or family who demonstrates civic and charitable stewardship to improve the quality of living in the communities Center for Hospice Care serves. The 40th Helping Hands Award Dinner will honor “The King of Quality,” Dan Fitzpatrick on May 7, 2025, at the Gillespie Center at Hilton Garden Inn. The evening will begin with cocktails at 6 pm, followed by dinner at 7 pm. Chairing the event are Ann and John Firth. John is the former president of Quality Dining, having joined the organization in 1996. Ann serves as vice president and chief of staff to the president of the University of Notre Dame.
Founder, chairman and CEO of Quality Dining, Inc., Dan’s vision and leadership transformed a small group of quick-service restaurants into a thriving multi-concept restaurant company that now operates more than 157 locations. These include franchised brands like Burger King and Slim Chickens, along with full-service favorites such as Papa Vino’s Italian Kitchen and Uptown Kitchen. Under Dan’s leadership, Quality Dining has become one of the largest franchisees of Burger King Corporation in North America.
With more than 6,000 employees, the company ranks among the top 60 franchised food service businesses in the United States. Dan has received numerous accolades over the years for both his business acumen and his deep commitment to public service.
Throughout his career, Dan has remained actively engaged in civic and nonprofit leadership across northern Indiana. He has held key roles with Madison Center and Hospital, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, the Morris Performing Arts Center and LOGAN Center. He currently serves as lead director of 1st Source Corporation and is a trustee at Holy Cross College.
At the heart of Dan’s community involvement is his passionate support of Catholic education across the Fort Wayne/South Bend Diocese. Through the “You Can Lend a Hand” program, Dan and his team have helped raise more than $12 million for Catholic schools in northern Indiana and southwest Michigan.
For his entrepreneurial vision, decades of leadership and extraordinary service to the community, Center for Hospice Care is proud to honor Dan Fitzpatrick – “the King of Quality” – with the 40th Helping Hands Award. As an employee, we are happy to offer you and a guest seats at the dinner for a discounted price.
Please limit to two seats