Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy, whose entrepreneurial journey began at age 8 with a front-yard Coca-Cola stand and blossomed over decades of restaurant success into a No. 692 ranking on the most recent Forbes billionaire list, turns 90 today. A black-tie gala celebrating his business acumen, philanthropic leadership and strong faith packed the Woodruff Arts Center Thursday night. "I consider each one of you my friend, especially those of you who eat at Chick-fil-A!" Cathy said on the stage of Atlanta Symphony Hall, joined by his wife, Jeannette and family. "I'd like to invite you to my 100th birthday, which is coming up 10 years from now." The tribute, co-chaired by former Mayor Andrew Young and developer Tom Cousins, featured performances by Broadway star Diana DeGarmo, Christian artist Michael W. Smith and the Atlanta Symphony Gospel Choir. Comedian Jeff Foxworthy emceed the evening. "When people ask me where I'm from I always say, 'Hapeville, the home of Chick-fil-A,' " he said. "As a child I remember my mother saying, 'You have no idea how many children the Cathys are putting through college.' That made an impression on a 10-year-old boy. Fast forward 40 years, and my wife and I are putting numerous kids through college, not only here but in Africa. Not for the publicity, but because it needs doing and because somebody showed us the way." The evening included some surprises -- a $90,000 donation from Coca-Cola to the Chick-fil-A Foundation, a video tribute from former President George W. Bush, and the unveiling of plans for the S. Truett Cathy Youth and Community Center, to be located near where Cathy grew up. The evening ended on a reverent note, with Cathy's son, Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy, playing "Amazing Grace" on the trumpet as the audience joined the family in prayer. The elder Cathy, who is working on a book called "Wealth: Is it Worth It?", urged the gathering to "keep the important things important," and recited the Bible verse he said has propelled him through life, Proverbs 22:1, "A good name is rather to be chosen than good riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold."
Celebrity birthdays
Actor Michael Caine is 78. Composer-conductor Quincy Jones is 78. Sax player Walt Parazaider of Chicago is 66. Comedian Billy Crystal is 63. Singer Kristian Bush of Sugarland is 41. Singer-keyboardist Taylor Hanson of Hanson is 28.
Contributing: news services
About the Author
