America’s #1 buffet aiming to raise $1 million to help send military kids to camp
For more than a decade, Golden Corral has worked to change the lives of the children of our nation’s military heroes by raising funds to send them to Camp Corral. In keeping with that tradition, the brand recently kicked off its 12th year of this collaboration, with a goal of raising $1 million in 2024.
Camp Corral is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to transform the lives of children ages 8-15 of wounded, ill, injured, or fallen military heroes by providing camp, advocacy, and enrichment programs. Golden Corral is a founding partner of the non-profit, working alongside the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization to help campers connect with other children just like them in a community that only Camp Corral can provide.
Thanks to the support of its guests over the past 11 years, Golden Corral has raised more than $15 million to help send over 33,000 military children to Camp Corral – with no cost to the families. Camp Corral has locations in 17 states where children can attend camp and family retreats in five states, allowing families and children to adjust to the new realities of life following a family member’s time in the Armed Services. At Camp Corral, military kids are free to be kids, away from the stresses and unique challenges of military life. Campers participate in fun outdoor activities that vary by location, such as kayaking, horseback riding, ropes course challenges, archery, and rock climbing.
In 2023, Golden Corral raised nearly $1.5 million for Camp Corral, thanks to donations from its restaurant guests, team members, franchisees, and vendor partners, and its partnership with DAV. These funds will send approximately 1,200 children to camp in 2024 at locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
“Since 2011, Golden Corral has provided memories that will last a lifetime for our campers,” said Phil Kowalczyk, CEO of Camp Corral. “Thanks to the brand’s continued efforts and support, Camp Corral can continue to fulfill its mission to provide kids from military families with life-changing experiences at top quality camps at no cost to the families.”
Golden Corral Corporation kicked off its annual campaign with a $100,000 donation, getting one step closer to reaching its $1 million fundraising goal, which will send roughly 800 kids to camp for free.
There are two ways to donate – in person at a Golden Corral restaurant or online at CampCorral.org. In-restaurant guests can donate to Camp Corral by purchasing Fundraising Stars (a White Star for $1, Blue Star for $5, and Flag Star for $10), rounding up their bill at the register, or donating online by scanning a QR Code.
“It’s an honor and privilege to kick off our annual Camp Corral fundraising campaign,” said Golden Corral President & CEO Lance Trenary. “Our commitment to sending more kids to camp than ever before is as rewarding for us as Camp Corral is fun for them. It’s so much more than just a summer camp experience — it’s life-altering for these kids. We see it in the results — with 70% of parents telling us their child’s mental health improves after going to camp, and 89% noting that their child made a long-lasting new friendship with another camper. Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of our creative restaurant teams across the country and the generous support of our guests, we’re looking forward to a record year of donations for these deserving kids in 2024.”
Camp Corral has served children from every state in the nation with resilience-based programs focused upon the unique attributes and challenges shared by military-connected children across the country. Visit the Camp Corral website at CampCorral.org for more information about attending or donating directly through the organization’s website.
To find a Golden Corral near you, visit GoldenCorral.com/locations or order online at GoldenCorral.com/order-online.
Founded in 1973 and based in Raleigh, N.C., Golden Corral is the nation’s largest grill-buffet restaurant chain. Golden Corral strives to make pleasurable dining affordable for all families. While its commitment begins each day with preparing delicious food, Golden Corral also believes in providing outstanding hospitality and giving back. Service to others is a hallmark of the Golden Corral brand. In 2023, Golden Corral was recognized as one of the nation’s top 50 “Most Loved Brands” by Yelp. They were also recognized for valuing their customers and providing excellent customer service by Newsweek, “America’s Best Customer Service 2024.” Golden Corral restaurants nationwide have long been strong supporters of the U.S. Military and DAV (Disabled American Veterans). Golden Corral is also the founding sponsor of Camp Corral, a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation, which provides free, one-of-a-kind summer camp experiences for children of wounded, injured, ill, or fallen service members. For more information, visit GoldenCorral.com and follow Golden Corral on Facebook, Instagram and X.
The mission of Camp Corral is to transform the lives of children of wounded, ill, and fallen military heroes by providing camp, advocacy, and enrichment programs. Since 2011, Camp Corral has served more than 33,000 military children from every state in the nation. Camp Corral offers recreational programs designed specifically to empower America’s military children to make connections, build coping skills, and increase self-confidence. As a national leader and provider of educational resources, research, and advocacy related to the challenges faced by children of wounded, ill, and fallen military service members, many of whom provide caregiving duties within the wounded warrior family unit, Camp Corral helps build life skills to empower strong, resilient, and independent individuals.
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