Team Wendy has announced a three-year title sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation, supporting programs designed to improve training, education, and professional development opportunities for first responders.
The partnership will help advance Foundation-led events, skill-building initiatives, and grants that expand access to mission-focused development for public safety professionals, including law enforcement personnel, veterans, and military members.
The Jorge Pastore Foundation was established to honor Austin Police Officer Jorge “George” Pastore, whose watch ended in 2023 during a SWAT hostage rescue. Pastore, who previously served as a firefighter and paramedic before joining the Austin Police Department, was known for his commitment to training, service, and encouraging those around him to improve every day.
“This partnership honors a life defined by courage and discipline by investing in those who continue that work,” said Sara Jonas, Director of Global Marketing at Team Wendy. “We are proud to stand with the Foundation as it expands access to the resources that help first responders stay ready for what comes next.”
Since its launch in 2024, the Foundation has supported more than 50 agencies, helped train more than 1,500 officers, and awarded over $125,000 in grants. Its programs aim to make critical instruction and practical support more accessible, often at little or no cost to participants.
Team Wendy said the sponsorship builds on its ongoing engagement with the Foundation and its focus on education-led conversations around protective equipment, operational readiness, and gear evaluation. The company will also support the Foundation’s annual events, including the JPF Legacy Match, Community First Critical Incident Response Trainings, and the Humble Warrior Games.
“Jorge pushed people to prepare, to keep improving, and to take care of one another,” said Kim Pastore, Founder and President of the Jorge Pastore Foundation. “Through this work, we are helping more professionals access the connections and opportunities that can make a real difference.”
The Foundation now engages more than 2,000 attendees annually through its events and initiatives. Through collaborations with partners such as Team Wendy, it aims to extend programs that honor service through practical action.
“Team Wendy helps us bring that support to more people,” Pastore added. “Everything we build is guided by the same standard Jorge had: care deeply and keep showing up for the person beside you.”
More information about Officer Pastore, the Foundation, and its mission is available at jpastorefoundation.com.
