When he talked about quality, it wasn’t just the food served at Wendy’s. For this article, I will detail the inspirational story of Dave Thomas. The founder and senior chairman of Wendy's International became a household name when he began pitching his burgers and fries in television commercials in 1989. The legacy of Dave Thomas will live on forever in the hearts and minds of every entrepreneur who opens a business with the goal of customer service and community development at the forefront. Many of the successful commercials featured Dave himself, while others either solely or guest featured various entertainers, such as Clara Peller with the popular “Where’s The Beef?” campaign. Dave’s passion for adoption was also taken to Washington and sparked the creation of bills related to giving tax credits to parents who adopt foster children. 2011 - ON NASDAQ Sign Up For News Sign Up for News * * … 2020 All Rights Reserved |. Wendy’s core values, including “Quality is our Recipe,” “Do the Right Thing” and “Give Something Back,” were created by our founder Dave Thomas more than 40 years ago. One of fast food’s most famous logos, Wendy’s cartoon image of a smiling redheaded girl, was based on the appearance of Thomas’s daughter, who also inspired the company’s name. After complaining that he couldn't find a … In his own words. Do you have a favorite famous Ohio Mason you think we should highlight? A capacity crowd of local dignitaries joined the first Wendy's family of employees and suppliers at the grand opening. Thomas worked under the Colonel at a handful of Kentucky Fried Chicken locations in Fort Wayne, Indiana. To learn more, visit davethomasfoundation.org, or call 1-800-ASK-DTFA. DUBLIN, Ohio, Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of National Adoption Month, Wendy's® is launching two signature promotions to benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation … Dave was adopted by Rex and Auleva Thomas soon after his birth and according to various accounts, Dave Thomas never met his birth mother. The name of the restaurant was taken from the name his daughter Melinda Lou. Your email address will not be published. Even more than a decade after his death, Wendy's founder Dave Thomas' name still resonates. (birthdate: July 2, 1932). Dave Thomas is best known for founding the Wendy's hamburger restaurant chain. Together, we can give more young people, like Zach, the foundation for a brighter future. Dave would go on to retire from Wendy’s in 1982, and during Dave’s absence the brand began experiencing various operational issues. Dave Thomas, Founder of Wendy's, Dies at 69. Through various programs supported by the Company, franchise organizations, suppliers, and customers, Wendy’s has raised more than $200 million for the Foundation and its Wendy’s … Dave Thomas as a young boy. Bush’s invitation to be the spokesperson for a national adoption awareness campaign. Wendy's is an American international fast food restaurant chain founded by Dave Thomas on November 15, 1969, in Columbus, Ohio.The company moved its headquarters to Dublin, Ohio, on January 29, 2006.As of December 31, 2018, Wendy's was the world's third-largest hamburger fast-food chain with 6,711 locations, following Burger King and McDonald's.On April 24, 2008, the company announced a … Dave was fired from some of the positions due to management disputes, amongst other issues, but showed dedication to the restaurant industry and didn’t allow the temporary setback to deter his passion. Between ages 12 and 21, Dave would eventually move back in with father as they relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Maybe it's all those commercials he did, or maybe we just love his food. In addition, Dave would begin his nationwide commercial campaigns that would eventually lead not to just putting the Wendy’s brand and operations back on the growth track, but to Dave becoming a beloved international role model and celebrity. 3 burger chain in the United States from 1989 until his death. On 15th November 1969, Thomas had his first Wendy’s opened. As a result, the new leadership eventually caved in and urged Dave to return to the company in the late 1980s to save the brand and put it back on the growth track. He has appeared in almost every TV advertisement for the No. At first, he was seen as a stiff actor. He created the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, a not-for-profit organization focused on raising public awareness of adoption. Wendy's founder Dave Thomas, the kindly star of the hamburger chain's commercials, died Tuesday of liver cancer at his home in Fort Lauderdale. You can help find permanent homes for more young people, like Jayden. He was 69. Dave’s story is a testament to just how far tenacity can take you as an entrepreneur. At first, Dave struggled with what to name his burger concept and eventually settled in on the nickname of one of his daughters, Melinda Lou Thomas. Dave would continue to lead the Wendy’s brand from the late 1980’s until the time of his death on Tuesday, January 8, 2002. One did and became the owner of the third most popular burger restaurant in US, Wendy’s. In addition, Dave would begin his nationwide commercial campaigns that would eventually lead not to just putting the Wendy’s brand and operations back on the growth track, but to Dave becoming a beloved international role model and celebrity. We'd love to hear from you and encourage a lively discussion among our users. Rex David Thomas (July 2, 1932 – January 8, 2002) was an American businessman, philanthropist, and fast-food tycoon. While Dave Thomas died from liver cancer in 2002, his legacy lives on through his daughter, who feels more encouraged and motivated by the Wendy’s brand today than ever before: “I love this brand. and then went on to establish the Thomas Center at Duke University, along with the Enterprise Ambassador Program at Nova University. He created a lasting legacy filled with a lot of heart, passion for helping others, quality to his customers, and love of Freemasonry. Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy’s, was an orphan immediately after his birth in 1932 in Atlantic City, N.J. Thomas never knew his birth parents and was adopted by a couple from Kalamazoo, Mich. He is also an advocate for adoption, establishing the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption to realize his dream of a home for every child. Dave decided to name his business “Wendy’s” and opened the first restaurant on Saturday, November 15, 1969 in Columbus, Ohio with the tagline “Quality Is Our Recipe”. In 1993, despite having dropped out of high school prior, Dave went back to Coconut Creek High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to receive his G.E.D. She was called Wendy. Dave Thomas founded the first Wendy’s restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, in 1969. The Inspirational Story Of Wendy’s Founder Dave Thomas, The 5 Best Banks for Small Business Loans in 2020. However, some of the franchises began to struggle with sales and The Colonel made Dave an offer that if he could help turn around the stores, he would be awarded equity interest. Contact us at OhioLodgeLife@Freemason.com to let us know. They married in 1954. Wendy's is an American international fast food restaurant chain founded by Dave Thomas on November 15, 1969, in Columbus, Ohio.The company moved its headquarters to Dublin, Ohio, on January 29, 2006.As of December 31, 2018, Wendy's was the world's third-largest hamburger fast-food chain with 6,711 locations, following Burger King and McDonald's.On April 24, 2008, the company announced a … Within that talk are discussions on being born on the right side of the tracks, getting a good education, and never dropping out of high school. He infused these values into everything we do at Wendy’s and created the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, which helps find permanent homes for … Dave’s first order of business was to visit franchisees suggesting that they acquire an “M.B.A.”, which in this case didn’t stand for Master of Business Administration, but instead stood for “mop bucket attitude”. Maybe it's all those commercials he did, or maybe we just love his food. Part One. 3. In 1962, Thomas invested in and was placed in a managerial position of four KFC’s that were failing. Facts about Dave Thomas 9: the first Wendy’s. in Arizona. Wendy's restaurant founder Dave Thomas, the well-known face behind the fast-food chain, died early Tuesday after a long battle with liver cancer, the company said. Dave was so dedicated that he completely dropped out of high school to focus full-time on restaurant duties. But what if I showed you the story of a man who was adopted, grew up relatively poor, dropped out of high school, and got fired from multiple jobs, who would find the inner tenacity and grit to form the third largest hamburger chain in the world? “When Dave Thomas was eight-years-old he dreamed he’d run the best restaurant in the world,” said Emil Brolick, President and Chief Executive Officer. This rapid growth was due in part to Dave revolutionizing the “Pick-Up Window” concept, using fresh meat for their burgers, introducing a full salad bar, introducing a 99 cents Super Value Menu, and revolutionizing the way franchises were sold by selling them in bulk to cities/regions, rather than as individual units. However, Dave knew he could do more. Dave Thomas founded the first Wendy’s restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, in 1969.One of fast food’s most famous logos, Wendy’s cartoon image of a smiling redheaded girl, was based on the appearance of Thomas’s daughter, who also inspired the company’s name. Dave Thomas is the founder of Wendy's. The Wendy’s family mourns the loss of Lorraine Thomas, wife of our founder, Dave Thomas. You can help find permanent homes for more young people, like Jayden. While in Fort Wayne, Dave would try his hand in various restaurant roles. There’s no one to stop you but yourself.”. Wendy’s Founder Dave Thomas was born in New Jersey in 1932 and died in January 2002. The foundation was launched in 1992 by Wendy’s restaurant founder, Dave Thomas, who was adopted and had long been a supporter of foster care and adoption awareness. This article currently has 26 ratings with an average of 3.5 stars. His passion was so strong that he made “Quality Is Our Recipe” a permanent part of Wendy’s logo. Nav connects you to business financing offers that you are more likely to qualify for based on your business needs and credit — all without a hard credit pull. Believe it or not, the classic Frosty is actually a mix of … He became the company's TV spokesman in 1989. Who Was Dave Thomas? 60DBO-98588. Dave Thomas is best known for founding Wendy's hamburger restaurant chain. He is also known for appearing in more than 800 commercial advertisements for the chain from 1989 to 2002, more than any other company founder in television history. Created by Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas in 1992, the Dave Thomas Foundation is the only public nonprofit charity in the United States focused exclusively on foster care adoption. It was during this time that he ran into. Have at it! One did and became the owner of the third most popular burger Here's the untold truth of Dave Thomas. Even more than a decade after his death, Wendy's founder Dave Thomas' name still resonates. Dave Thomas was loved, cheered, and stood tall as a role model to aspiring entrepreneurs and philanthropists worldwide. Wearing a Wendy's apron, Thomas was one of the nation's most recognized television spokesmen. In addition, Dave’s passion for both education and adoption still serves as a major community development tool to this day. About The Wendy's Company 3 hamburger chain, familiar face in ads. About The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a national nonprot public charity dedicated to dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 130,000 children waiting in North America's foster care systems. Created by Wendy's founder Dave Thomas who was adopted, the Foundation implements evidence-based, results-driven national signature programs, foster care adoption awareness campaigns and innovative grant making. Thomas was seen in the ads of Wendy. Colonel Sanders eventually got the owners of Hobby House to franchise some of his chicken restaurants, which gave Dave the opportunity to work alongside The Colonel. Read his biography and the story of his legacy – from founding the first Wendy’s in Ohio in 1969 to establishing the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. He was 69. Tucker is also an M.B.A. graduate and holder of three bachelor's degrees in Accounting, Business Management, and Journalism. But no matter how many commercials you've seen, there's still plenty you don't know about him. He infused these values into everything we do at Wendy’s and created the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, which helps find permanent homes for … The new leadership’s direction hurt the company’s branding, hurt its franchising direction, and created a new menu that wasn’t positively received from the public. Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy’s, was an orphan immediately after his birth in 1932 in Atlantic City, N.J. Thomas never knew his birth parents and was adopted by a couple from Kalamazoo, Mich. Canadian actor Dave Thomas is 68 years old (birthdate: May 20, 1949).Dave Thomas, the Wendy's founder, passed away in 2002 at the age of 69. American businessman Dave Thomas (born 1932) is the founder of the Wendy's Old-Fashioned Hamburgers chain. Now 19, he is thriving in college on a full scholarship. But no matter how many commercials you've seen, there's still plenty you don't know about him. Orme is an independent, comprehensive, college preparatory school fully committed to the highest. COLUMBUS, Ohio (CNN) - Wendy's restaurant founder Dave Thomas, the well … Dave Thomas was an amazing businessman, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and icon. This explains how the program works. Throughout his childhood, Wendy's founder Dave Thomas was a regular customer at Kalamazoo, Michigan burger join Kewpee Hamburgers, whose "old-fashioned" hamburgers, square patties and all, have been served since 1923. Today in 2018, Wendy’s has over 6,500 locations globally and is the third. In South Davis, Wendy’s is at 1701 Cowell Blvd. Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas met his wife, Lorraine Buskirk, in 1953 while they were both working at the Hobby House restaurant in Fort Wayne, IN. The foundation of Wendy’s long-term success includes core values that we embrace every day in our restaurants and restaurant support centers around the world. Within that talk are discussions on being born on the right side of the tracks, getting a good education, and never dropping out of high school. Lorraine was the matriarch of the Wendy’s family and the heart and soul of our brand. Colonel Sanders eventually got the owners of Hobby House to franchise some of his chicken restaurants, which gave Dave the opportunity to work alongside The Colonel. It is a foundation that provides information about fostering and adoption. Wendy's introduces a new line of cheeseburgers named after its founder, Dave Thomas. The 13-year-old was adopted in 2020 by his second cousin, Renee, through the Foundation’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program. Dave's 20-plus years behind the counter and all his restaurant management experience came together when the first Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers restaurant opened on November 15, 1969 in Columbus, Ohio. It was an attitude of putting the customers first and serving them eagerly as if your last dollar depended on it. Dave was a visionary, a patriot, a leader, a role model, and an inspiration. More than 120,000 children are waiting to be adopted from foster care in the United States right now. Reviews Disclosure: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the credit card, financing and service companies that appear on this site. The foundation of Wendy’s long-term success includes core values that we embrace every day in our restaurants and restaurant support centers around the world. All of these circumstances led to decreased sales across the board and a dramatic slowdown in franchising. The Early Years. Wendy's is one of the biggest fast-food chains in the county, but if its founder Dave Thomas had named it a few years later, the restaurant might have been called something totally different. Dave would continue to lead the Wendy’s brand from the late 1980’s until the time of his death on Tuesday, January 8, , 2002. Created by Wendy's founder Dave Thomas, who was adopted, the Foundation implements evidence-based, results-driven national service programs, foster care adoption awareness campaigns and innovative grant making. Wendy's lost its founder and premier pitchman when Thomas, 69, died of liver cancer early Tuesday at his home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In 1992, he established the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. To learn more, visit davethomasfoundation.org, or call 1-800-ASK-DTFA. Since 1929, The Orme School has led education. Facts about Dave Thomas 10: appearance in ads. About Wendy's He was officially on his own. Our story began in 1990 when Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s, accepted President George H.W. Dave's Adoption Foundation Himself an adopted child, Dave became active in encouraging foster care adoption in the early 1990s, and in 1992 he founded the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a0da78de637c67d8d9d4af287b7410ff" );document.getElementById("f07ec1494b").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Children enter foster care through no fault of their own because of abuse or neglect. But what if I showed you the story of a man who was adopted, grew up relatively poor, dropped out of high school, and got fired from multiple jobs, who would find the inner, When Dave returned home from serving in the Korean War in the mid-1950’s, he returned back to Hobby House, one of the restaurants he worked at previously in Fort Wayne. Dave’s story is a testament to just how far tenacity can take you as an entrepreneur. Adopted as an infant, our founder, Dave Thomas, grew up with a deep respect for family, community and giving of oneself to others. standards of personal conduct, scholarship, and community Statistics show that those born into a stable family and finish high school on time have a much higher probability of success compared to their counterparts. The Orme School: An Affordable Alternative. © Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Refrain from posting overtly promotional content, and avoid disclosing personal information such as bank account or phone numbers. He started a foundation called the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. All Rights Reserved, California loans arranged pursuant to Department of Business Oversight Finance Lenders License When Dave was just five years old, Auleva died near Kalamazoo, Michigan. Despite his enormous success, the down-home star of his brand’s commercials never forgot where he came from, or all the children out there waiting for permanent homes. There’s a lot of talk about what it takes to succeed in America. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card, financing and service companies and it is not their responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered. Statistics show that those born into a stable family and finish high school on time have a much higher probability of success compared to their counterparts. Fortunately, Zach’s journey changed when he was adopted at age 11 through the Foundation’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids® program in West Virginia. For $1, customers at participating Wendy’s restaurants in the Sacramento area can purchase a key tag that entitles them to free Jr. Frostys through the month of May while supporting the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and its signature program, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids. History. The Foundation continues to commit itself to Dave's vision of making sure every child has a permanent and loving family. To connect with John Tucker, feel free to send him a connection invite via LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/johntucker99. It was a shift back in mindset to creating an operation that put the customers at the center of the decisions being made, including that of the menu listings. Melinda’s nickname was “Wendy” because at the time (being only seven or eight years old) she struggled to pronounce her full name and was instead provided with the “Wendy” nickname. For each Snapchat code unlocked through 8/5/19, $5 will be donated to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, up to a maximum of $500,000. Dave's Hot 'N Juicy™ Cheeseburgers feature a thicker 1/4 pound patty (still fresh beef), a buttered and toasted bun, red onions, tomato, lettuce, crinkle cut pickles, ketchup and mayo. They are our responsibility.”. It was during this time that he ran into Colonel Sanders, who at the time was in the midst of trying to sell his KFC franchise across the country. John Tucker has over ten years of professional experience in Commercial Finance and Business Development. When Rex left to seek work opportunities, Dave was sent to live with his adoptive grandmother Minnie Thomas in Maine. Dave Thomas is the founder of Wendy's. Wendy’s Founder Dave Thomas was born in New Jersey in 1932 and died in January 2002. In 1992, Dave established the Dave Thomas Foundation for AdoptionTM, a public not-for-profit organization that provides grants to national and regional adoption organizations for programs that raise awareness and make adoption easier and more affordable. Information is collected in accordance with our, Don't miss out — as a part of the new stimulus package approved by Congress, $284 billion in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds will be made available in January 2021. Both programs focuses on business related education. Dave was a visionary, a patriot, a leader, a role model, and an inspiration. When he was eight years old, Dave Thomas dreamed he'd run the best restaurant in the world. The first Wendy's restaurant opened in 1969 in Columbus, Ohio. Dave Thomas was born on Saturday, July 2, 1932 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The Frosty isn't all chocolate. Many of the successful commercials featured Dave himself, while others either solely or guest featured various entertainers, such as Clara Peller with the popular “Where’s The Beef?” campaign. Dave’s legacy lives on, not just through the ultra-success of the Wendy’s brand, but also through Dave’s books, speeches, and motivational material on entrepreneurial success. Dave Thomas, creator of No. Here's the untold truth of Dave Thomas. It is a foundation that provides information about fostering and adoption. 8. The 13-year-old was adopted in 2020 by his second cousin, Renee, through the Foundation’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program. Dave loved people and he loved restaurants. Then-eight-year-old Wendy Thomas on November 15, 1969, at the grand opening of the first Wendys restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. Wendy’s, fast-food company that is the third largest hamburger chain in the United States, behind McDonald’s and Burger King. You can help. That boy was Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy’s®, a fast food franchise that today employs hundreds of thousands of people across 6,700 stores. The next time you visit a Wendy’s restaurant, make sure to take a second to Snap a photo of your Cause Cup and share our commitment to supporting foster care adoption! Today in 2018, Wendy’s has over 6,500 locations globally and is the third largest hamburger chain, trailing only McDonald’s and Burger King. In his own words, “You can do what you want to do. Created in 1992 by Wendy's ® founder Dave Thomas , who was adopted, the Foundation implements evidence-based, results-driven national service programs, foster care adoption awareness campaigns and innovative … Read more. Since its founding in 1992, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption has been Wendy’s charity of choice. It was while living with Minnie that Dave says he was taught the value of customer service, respect, and the mantra of “never cut corners”, the latter of which would go on to explain why Dave’s eventual successful hamburger concept would be shaped in squares. You can be what you want to be. , who at the time was in the midst of trying to sell his KFC franchise across the country. Thomas was the founder and chief executive officer of Wendy's, a fast-food restaurant chain specializing in hamburgers. While Dave went through hardships early on in life, he didn’t allow his passion to be deterred along the way. American restaurateur and philanthropist, best known as founder of the hamburger chain, Wendy’s International Inc. And he was passionate about quality. Wendy's Gives Back to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption through Frosty Key Tag fundraiser and special in-app drink offer In celebration of National Adoption Month, Wendy's® is launching two signature promotions to benefit the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption® (DTFA). ET . In addition, when the Korean War started, Dave enlisted in the Army and served in a major food service role, helping to feed thousands of U.S. soldiers during that time period. Adopted as an infant, our founder, Dave Thomas, grew up with a deep respect for family, community and giving of oneself to others. Wanting to approach the challenge of finding families for children with a business model, the foundation created Wendy’s Wonderful Kids in 2004. We've got tons of FREE business tools and resources right here. They deserve a safe, loving home. Wendy’s core values, including “Quality is our Recipe,” “Do the Right Thing” and “Give Something Back,” were created by our founder Dave Thomas more than 40 years ago. From 1970 to 1982, the Wendy’s operations grew rapidly to over 1,000 units. *At participating restaurants. In an attempt to revive the status of hamburgers in Columbus, Dave Thomas unknowingly re-wrote history in the world of fast food and created a legacy that lasted through ages. Quality meant everything to Dave. The legacy of Dave Thomas will live on forever in the hearts and minds of every entrepreneur who opens a business with the goal of customer service and community development at the forefront. We will send you updates as soon as applications are being accepted by, Copyright © 2020 Nav. One of the greatest influences on his life was Colonel Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken. This article was originally written on July 18, 2018 and updated on July 23, 2018. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is a national, nonprofit public charity dedicated to finding permanent homes for children waiting in foster care in the United States and Canada. Wendy’s core values, including “Quality is our Recipe,” “Do the Right Thing” and “Give Something Back,” were created by our founder Dave Thomas more than 40 years ago. When Dave returned home from serving in the Korean War in the mid-1950’s, he returned back to Hobby House, one of the restaurants he worked at previously in Fort Wayne. Your email address will not be published. Fortunately, Jayden will be spending this holiday season – and each holiday to come – with his forever family. As our founder, Dave Thomas, always said, “These children are not someone else’s responsibility. Required fields are marked *. He exceeded that by a multiple of 6,000, building that many Wendy's eateries in 30 years of operation. Dave decided to name his business “Wendy’s” and opened the first restaurant on Saturday, November 15, 1969 in Columbus, Ohio with the tagline “Quality Is Our Recipe” From 1970 to 1982, the Wendy’s operations grew rapidly to over 1,000 units. The public nonprofit charity was created by late Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas in 1992 to help find permanent homes for children in foster care. Dave Thomas, the smiling pitchman whose homespun TV ads built Wendy's Old-Fashioned Hamburgers into one of the world's most successful fast-food franchises, died Tuesday of liver cancer. There’s a lot of talk about what it takes to succeed in America. Our Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program is changing lives for thousands of children in foster care. He started a foundation called the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. That's right. By the late 1960’s, Dave had increased sales at the franchise stores and on the side, helped The Colonel increase KFC branding/marketing efforts. Learn more and spread the word about the critical need for foster care adoption in the U.S. For five long years, Zach moved between his biological family and foster care with no permanent place to call home. This success inspired Dave to finally branch out on his own with an innovative burger concept, selling back to The Colonel his KFC franchise ownership interest (reportedly around $1.5 million) and using the capital to help launch his own enterprise. Dave supported many organizations that improved the lives of children, including the Children's Home Society of Florida… Dave wanted to leave a legacy that would help foster kids find quality parents for adoption, so in 1992 he created The Dave Thomas Foundation For Adoption. Lorraine Thomas, the widow of Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas, died Sunday, the restaurant chain’s corporate office confirmed Monday.She was 84. Wendy's Wendy's was founded by Dave Thomas in 1969. 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