Gary Sinise and Collective Soul Help Salute Our Nation’s Heroes
On Monday, Nov. 17, Golden Corral will thank thousands of active duty and retired United States military personnel for their service with a free dinner buffet and beverage, while raising donations for DAV (Disabled American Veterans). A tradition started 13 years ago to celebrate our nation’s heroes, Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday has served more than 4 million complimentary meals to military personnel and generated more than $8.8 million dollars in guest contributions to support community-based service initiatives for veterans.
“Our 45,000 employees in 500 restaurants nationwide are very passionate about supporting our military service men and women on Military Appreciation Monday,” said Ted Fowler, president and chief executive officer of Golden Corral. “While the current economy is challenging, we remain committed to recognizing the military through this program. We hope this year we will reach a new grand total of 5 million meals served since we began the program 13 years ago. We also hope to raise our contributions to the DAV to a grand total of more than $10 million dollars.”
Golden Corral has enlisted Gary Sinise, celebrated actor/director, and Collective Soul, the platinum award-winning band, to record public service announcements for Military Appreciation Monday. Sinise and Collective Soul are all actively involved in supporting active duty and retired military personnel through a variety of organizations and initiatives including tours to military installations overseas.
“This is the 10th year I’ve had the pleasure to partner with Golden Corral in supporting our troops, past and present, through Military Appreciation Monday,” said Sinise. “The number of meals given away and amount of money donated in the past 13 years really distinguishes Golden Corral’s commitment to the military. I’m proud and happy to help raise awareness for Golden Corral Military Appreciation Monday.”
Golden Corral will serve free dinner buffets with beverage from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 17 to any person who is or has served in a United States Military branch, including the National Guard and Reserves – identification is not required. State and local DAV representatives will be on-site at all Golden Corral locations coordinating the collection of donations from customers. While only current and former military qualify for the free meal, everyone is encouraged to come out and show support for our veterans. For more information on Military Appreciation Monday, please visit http://www.goldencorral.com/military/.
