nhboy
08-01-2012, 02:56 AM
Link to original article. (http://nashua.patch.com/articles/nashua-chick-fil-a-to-sponsor-nh-pride-fest)
"NASHUA, NH - Ryan Manseau has learned to expect the unexpected.
For example, he walked into the Pheasant Lane Mall looking for a fight. He was all ready to metaphorically shake his fist at Chick-Fil-A over its corporate stance on gay marriage, something company CEO Dan Cathy recently said, invites "God's judgement on our nation."
Instead, Manseau ended up shaking hands with local franchise owner Anthony Piccola, as they struck an unexpected deal.
"It started out as a prank," said Manseau, senior director of the NH Pride Fest of his canvassing at the mall. His plan was to plant some NH Pride Fest flyers amongst the Chick-Fil-A catering menus outside the mall-based restaurant, for effect.
"After we made the rounds in the mall with the flyers, we circled back by Chick-Fil-A and we spotted a guy who looked like a manager holding the flyer," Manseau said, who was distributing flyers with fellow event organizers Matthew Richards, 19, and Tara Powell, 27.
"So we went up to him ready to talk, to stand our ground. Shockingly enough, he was the owner, Anthony Piccola. He sat down with us – and also with his gay marketing director – and he ordered us all lunch. Then he said, 'Are are you looking for sponsors fo this thing?'" Manseau said.
And that's how the owner of a local Chick-Fil-A called for a truce in the midst of a national food fight that has nothing to do with food.
With his offer of event sponsorship, Piccola took a bold stand on what it means to be a part of the community he serves, Manseau said.
"Yeah, there's still paperwork to fill out, but it looks like Chick-Fil-A will be manning a 10-by-10 booth and giving out free food at Pride Fest," Manseau said."
"NASHUA, NH - Ryan Manseau has learned to expect the unexpected.
For example, he walked into the Pheasant Lane Mall looking for a fight. He was all ready to metaphorically shake his fist at Chick-Fil-A over its corporate stance on gay marriage, something company CEO Dan Cathy recently said, invites "God's judgement on our nation."
Instead, Manseau ended up shaking hands with local franchise owner Anthony Piccola, as they struck an unexpected deal.
"It started out as a prank," said Manseau, senior director of the NH Pride Fest of his canvassing at the mall. His plan was to plant some NH Pride Fest flyers amongst the Chick-Fil-A catering menus outside the mall-based restaurant, for effect.
"After we made the rounds in the mall with the flyers, we circled back by Chick-Fil-A and we spotted a guy who looked like a manager holding the flyer," Manseau said, who was distributing flyers with fellow event organizers Matthew Richards, 19, and Tara Powell, 27.
"So we went up to him ready to talk, to stand our ground. Shockingly enough, he was the owner, Anthony Piccola. He sat down with us – and also with his gay marketing director – and he ordered us all lunch. Then he said, 'Are are you looking for sponsors fo this thing?'" Manseau said.
And that's how the owner of a local Chick-Fil-A called for a truce in the midst of a national food fight that has nothing to do with food.
With his offer of event sponsorship, Piccola took a bold stand on what it means to be a part of the community he serves, Manseau said.
"Yeah, there's still paperwork to fill out, but it looks like Chick-Fil-A will be manning a 10-by-10 booth and giving out free food at Pride Fest," Manseau said."