Manila, Philippines—The Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation is excited to announce that, in partnership with Max’s Restaurant North America, it will build seven Yellow School of Hope: Starter Classrooms across geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas in the Philippines.
These classroom builds mark the culmination of Max’s “Hope on the Menu” fundraising initiative, which successfully raised a total of USD 37,560. This amount includes generous contributions from Max’s Restaurant franchisees Mr. Jeff Dennis (USD 35,000) and Dr. Jeannie Molato (USD 1,000), along with an additional USD 1,560 raised through donations from our valued customers. Each contribution played a vital role in making this initiative a success.
This collaboration will support children in remote Philippine communities facing educational challenges due to a massive classroom backlog of 165,000 nationwide, as reported by the Department of Education.
The Philippines’ classroom shortage is driven by rapid population growth, aging infrastructure, disaster damage, and long-standing underinvestment, leading to overcrowded schools and improvised learning spaces. DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara warns that at the current construction pace, closing this gap could take 55 years. This crisis compromises the quality of education and the futures of countless children.
By combining the Yellow Boat of Hope’s mission of improving access to education with Max’s Restaurant’s community-driven support, the partnership creates a powerful force for change.
“Education is the light that breaks the cycle of poverty passed down through generations, and it shines strongest when we come together in the spirit of Bayanihan. Our Yellow Boats and Starter Classrooms don’t just ignite hope in kids and their families from far-flung places—they carry the hopes of whole communities and even our nation toward a better future,” said Dr. Anton Mari Lim, President and Co-Founder of the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation. “I’m deeply grateful to Max’s Restaurant North America for turning every meal into not just a comforting taste of home, but a powerful act of hope and partnership for our most vulnerable children in the most remote corners of the Philippines. Together, we’re making sure no child is left behind.”
Max’s Restaurant North America shares the Foundation’s passion for community upliftment through Bayanihan. The starter classrooms to be constructed will provide safe, dignified learning spaces, helping to break the cycle of poverty and uplift entire communities.
Together, Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation and Max’s Restaurant North America are not only building classrooms but also building futures filled with hope, resilience, and possibility. This collaboration exemplifies how collective action can create lasting impact and bring us closer to a future where quality education is within every child’s reach.
About Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation
Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation is a non-profit organization in the Philippines that helps children in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) access education, starting with something as basic yet life-changing as a boat ride to school. Since 2010, it has expanded to building classrooms, dormitories, bridges, and e-learning hubs—essential structures that make education more accessible and sustainable for students in last-mile areas. Learn more at www.yellowboat.org.
About Max’s Restaurant North America
Max’s Restaurant began in 1945 when Maximo Gimenez, a Stanford-educated teacher, started serving food and drinks to American troops stationed in Quezon City. His niece Ruby created a special fried chicken recipe that became immensely popular, attracting both soldiers and Filipino customers. Over time, Max’s became known as “The House That Fried Chicken Built” and grew into a beloved Filipino institution. Today, it is a global brand with over 180 locations in the Philippines, 4 branches in the Middle East, and 21 branches in North America, continuing the family legacy of authentic Philippine cuisine. Read more at www.maxsrestaurantna.com
