Since 1998, Doherty Enterprises, the franchisee for Applebee’s in northern and central New Jersey and Long Island, NY, has raised over $2.7 million for the U.S. Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” program thanks to its annual Breakfast with Santa fundraiser. According to Bill Grein, Vice President of Marketing & Development of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, “Doherty’s 61 Applebee’s comprise ‘Toys for Tots’ largest annual cash contributor within the restaurant industry.”
This past holiday season, a record-breaking $322,500 was raised for deserving children within the neighborhoods Doherty Enterprises serves. Each year, hundreds of Applebee’s servers and kitchen staff volunteer their time for the Breakfast with Santa event, so that 100% of the proceeds can go to help provide happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during the holiday season. Doherty donates every penny from the tickets to the event, plus all monies collected during its six-week sale of fundraising paper “gift packages.”
“We are so grateful for the hard work, generosity and passion Doherty devotes to our program each year,” says Grein, “this has been a long-standing relationship that has helped bring happiness to thousands of children every year. What’s even more amazing is that this event comes during one of Applebee’s busiest periods of the year, and yet they care enough to take the time to make this all happen.”
Doherty Enterprises Applebee’s Presents $322,500 to U.S. Marines “Toys for Tots” – In the 61 northern and central New Jersey and Long Island, NY Applebee’s operated by Doherty Enterprises, Breakfast with Santa is one of the most anticipated and fun events?and it is held each year for a good cause. Doherty donates 100% of the proceeds from the event to the U.S. Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” program providing thousands of underprivileged children with a joyful holiday. This year, Doherty donated $322,500 and was the restaurant industry’s largest cash contributor to “Toys for Tots.” Pictured are (L-R): David DiBartolo, Vice President of Operations for Doherty Enterprises, Inc., Applebee’s area franchisee; U.S. Marine Corporal Jonathan Nicosia and U.S. Marine Staff Sergeant Fredrick Wiedenmann.
About the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Foundation
The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not for profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Now in its 65th year, Toys for Tots provides joy and a message of hope to economically disadvantaged children through the gift of a new toy during the Christmas holiday season. Their gifts offer these children recognition and a positive memory they will cherish for a lifetime. Many of the gifts they provide, such as books, games and sports equipment, make a significant contribution to the educational, social and physical development of these children. In 2011, Marines distributed gifts to 7.2 million children in 729 communities nationwide. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation relies on individual donations from the American public as well as support from corporate sponsors, to include its Three Star Partner Doherty Enterprises / Applebee’s. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.
About Applebee’s
Applebee’s (www.applebees.com) is the world’s largest casual dining chain, with more than 2,000 locations in 49 states, 15 countries and one U.S. territory. Based in Lenexa, Kan., Applebee’s takes pride in providing a welcoming, neighborhood environment where everyone can enjoy the dining experience. Applebee’s Services, Inc., and its affiliates franchise and operate restaurants under Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill and are a DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN) brand. On Long Island, NY and in northern and central New Jersey, Doherty Enterprises operates 61 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants.
About Doherty Enterprises, Inc.
Doherty Enterprises, Inc. was established in 1985 and is the 12th largest franchisee in the United States, operating four restaurant concepts including: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, and their own concept, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub. To date, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates 95 restaurants in northern and central New Jersey, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island. The Doherty vision is to be the “Best Food Service Company in the Tri-State Area” and its mission is to “Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow Our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers.” (www.DohertyInc.com)
Media Contacts
Bill Grein
Major, USMC (Ret)
VP, Marketing & Development
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
(703) 649-2021
Bill.Grein@toysfortots.org
Dave Kuhnlein
Doherty Enterprises
201-818-4669 x1102
dkuhnlein@dohertyinc.com
