The award will be presented at the school’s annual Honors Day Luncheon on April 3 at Windsor Park Convention Center, Mishawka. The E.M. Morris Award honors a Michiana businessperson whose achievements and leadership have contributed to the advancement of business and the quality of life in the Michiana area. The award was established in 1975.

KADA’s corporate office is in Mishawaka and employs approximately 700.

Dave Sparks began his career 36 years ago as a freshman student attending Western Michigan University working for McDonald's as a crew employee. After graduation, he continued his professional career with McDonald’s working throughout the Michigan region and at the company’s corporate office in Oak Brook, Ill. Dave also traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Japan and Asia to work with McDonald’s restaurants.

Prior to starting KADA with her husband, Kathleen was a quality insurance engineer for the UpJohn Company in Kalamazoo. She had also previously worked for Eckrich Meats in Kalamazoo.

Dave and Kathleen moved to the South Bend area in 1990 when they originally purchased three local McDonald’s restaurants.

Since coming to the Michiana area, both Kathleen and Dave have been very active in numerous non-profit and community organizations, giving both of their time and financial resources.

In 1991, Kathleen initiated Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northern Indiana and has held the position of vice president and president of that organization. She was the first president of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Indiana overseeing five charity chapters and the Indianapolis Ronald McDonald House and continues to be actively involved in that organization. She has also been appointed to and served on the Ronald McDonald House Charities Global Advisory Council - one of only five US representatives.