Heroes don’t always wear a cape. Sometimes they show up wrapped in a hot dog bun. Such was the case at a recent CASA event, when a six-foot hot dog named “TDO” (The Delicious One) handed out prizes to children. Inside the costume was J.R. Galardi, CEO of the Galardi Group, parent company of Wienerschnitzel—the world’s largest hot dog franchise.

J.R.’s mother, Cindy Culpepper, became president/CEO of the company after the passing of her former husband and Galardi Group founder, John Galardi, in 2013. With a vision of “serving food to serve others,” she launched the company’s philanthropy department and created a philanthropic giving program.

Cindy Culpepper (center left), Kellai O’Brian (far right)

Today, those efforts are led by Kellai O’Brian, Galardi’s HR Specialist. “I wear a lot of hats around here,” Kellai says, “and eventually I took on managing all of our philanthropic endeavors as well.”

The Galardi Group’s relationship with CASA OC began through Kellai’s own personal connection. “I have a close friend who works for CASA as an advocate supervisor. I'm also a foster mom, and so I asked her about resources. She shared a bit about CASA and, being in the position I am here, I thought, ‘Cindy and JR would love this!’ So I pitched a collaboration. We started small, and it’s just grown and grown. I met Misty Webb, CASA OC’s Community Partnership Coordinator, and the rest is history.”

Kellai speaks with enthusiasm about the creativity she and Misty bring to their partnership. “Misty and I are like two peas in a pod. We make it all happen for the kids. If she says there’s a need, Galardi Group tries to make it happen.” 

Together, they collaborate on everything from major events like the back-to-school picnic and the annual holiday party, to intimate gatherings like movie nights and cookie-decorating workshops. “We’ll bring food and work with the kids on crafts or watch a movie with them,” says Kellai.

Kellai O’Brian (left), and Misty Webb (right) | Galardi Group (right)

Recently, Misty shared a need for 400 gift cards for CASA’s holiday party—cards that youth can use to buy something for themselves or to buy gifts for loved ones. Kellai brought the request to her corporate team. “I pitched it and we got approved for all 400! It’s a huge donation,” she says.

For Kellai, the impact is personal. “It’s near and dear to my heart because I have fostered and adopted. I know these kids don’t all have the opportunity to be adopted or have someone guiding them through the foster care system. I’ve seen teenagers deeply influenced by their CASAs—kids who thank them for bringing them to these events.”

In addition to event support, the Galardi Group and CASA co-created Careers in the Making, a hands-on program that introduces youth in foster care to the inner workings of a fast-food operation. “Corporate employees come in and share their stories, then take the kids on a kitchen tour,” Kellai explains. “We have lunch with them, give them swag bags, and show them examples of team members who came from hard circumstances but achieved so much. The kids really identify with that.”

CASA Back-to-School Picnic (left), CASA Holiday Youth Party (right)

One such team member from the Galardi Group is Shantell. She has a phenomenal story and has attended every single Careers in the Making event,” says Kellai. “Often the kids are withdrawn at first, but after hearing her story, they start asking questions: ‘How did you do this? What made you turn it around?’ They become so engaged. And it means a lot to her too—it shows her how far she’s come and how she can give back.”

Manny Sahu is a volunteer advocate with CASA who attended one of these events with his youth Greg. He shared their experience, “My CASA kid Greg and I have attended several Wienerschnitzel events. They are always very well organized and lots of fun. The franchise tour and lunch event provided a wonderful learning experience for Greg. Thank you to Wienerschnitzel for your support of CASA and, more importantly, for the underprivileged kids in our community.” 

The program, Kellai says, “creates an open conversation. It really gives them a voice.” She hopes to expand the initiative throughout Southern California. “We want to create opportunities not just to inspire these youth, but to help them envision a future with us. If you work for us for a year, you qualify for our educational scholarship program. We gave out $100,000 in scholarships last year.” The Galardi Group also encourages employee volunteerism, offering flex time to support community involvement. “You can earn up to five days a year—it’s like an added week off for volunteering,” Kellai explains. 

Wienerschnitzel franchise tour and lunch event

Employees who volunteer with CASA help set up events, decorate, and hand out gifts. This year, they helped staff the Snowball Showdown at CASA’s Holiday Party. Recently, Kellai invited CASA staff to their corporate office to share more about CASA’s mission to train advocates for youth in foster care.

Reflecting on the partnership between the Galardi Group and CASA OC, Kellai says, “For us as a company, being able to serve our local communities is really important. My passion is the opportunities we’re able to create to help bridge gaps in our community. We chose CASA OC because their mission aligns with our values and our passion for supporting youth. CASA’s commitment to long-term mentorship and individualized care reflects our commitment to serving others with purpose and heart. Partnering with CASA felt both natural and meaningful from the very beginning.”