Mattison Brooks, Wounded Warrior Project

904-451-5590, mbrooks@woundedwarriorproject.org 

Applebee’s to Host November Flapjack Fundraiser in 67 Mid-Atlantic Restaurants to Support Wounded Warrior Project as part of Veterans Day Efforts

Applebee’s adds five-state fundraiser to annual Veterans Day giveaway of free meals to active and retired service members in the Greater Washington, D.C., Richmond, Shenandoah Valley and Hampton Roads Areas

HERNDON, VA (October 20, 2015) – Expanding upon its seven-year Veterans Day tradition of providing free meals to current and former service members, this year Applebee’s Grill & Bar^® restaurants in the Greater Washington, D.C., Richmond, Shenandoah Valley and Hampton Roads areas will continue to honor veterans throughout November by hosting a flapjack fundraiser breakfast to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) the weekend of Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22.

“As an organization, we believe in going above and beyond to serve those who have made incredible sacrifices for our country,” said Jim Ilaria, CEO of Potomac Family Dining Group, owner and operator of 67 Applebee’s throughout the Mid-Atlantic. “Wounded Warrior Project is a phenomenal organization providing much-needed services to injured veterans and their families, and we are honored to support their services and programs with a pancake breakfast fundraiser at all of our restaurants this November.”

One such program is the Long-Term Support Trust (LTST), which ensures that supplemental services including life-skills training, home care, transportation, and additional resources can remain available to the seriously wounded, ill, or injured in the event their caregivers are no longer able to provide care and support. Since the LTST’s inception in 2014, WWP has invested more than $65 million in the Trust, which was made possible by generous donors across America. This funding serves as the model for the decades of support WWP is preparing to provide these veterans to ensure they are able to live as rewarding and independent lives as possible. WWP is committed to the long-term support of this generation’s most seriously injured veterans – those with moderate-to-severe brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or other neurological conditions – who, upon the loss of their caregiver, are at risk for institutionalization.

“Applebee’s shares our mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors,” said Jeremy Chwat, chief strategy officer at WWP. “Their generous support provides us with the critical resources we need to provide the 20 free programs and services that make a positive impact in the lives of our nation’s veterans. For that, Applebee’s has our thanks.”

Starting Oct. 19, guests can purchase tickets for the hearty pancake breakfast for $10 each at their local Applebee’s. The meal includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, and the guest’s choice of drink. Depending on the location, the fundraiser will be held either Saturday, Nov. 21 or Sunday, Nov. 22 from 8 to 10 a.m. Guests should contact their local restaurant for more information. That day, volunteers will be on hand to serve breakfast to the guests, and in some locations service members, veterans and WWP Alumni will be volunteering as well.

If guests cannot attend the fundraiser but still would like to donate, they may donate at their table or make a donation directly on the Applebee’s support webpage: www.supportwwp.org/applebees.

If guests or community members would like to volunteer, they can sign up at www.tinyurl.com/WWPFlapjack, or email Courtney Brown at cbrown@potomacdining.com.

About Wounded Warrior Project

The mission of Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

The Applebee’s Brand

Applebee’s is the world’s largest casual dining chain, with more than 2,000 locations in 49 states, 16 countries and one U.S. territory. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Applebee’s offers a lively bar & grill experience with an array of flavorful, hand-crafted drinks, appetizers and entrees that constantly evolve. Applebee’s Grill & Bar^® restaurants are franchised by DineEquity, Inc.

About Potomac Family Dining Group

Potomac Family Dining Group (www.potomacdining.com) owns and operates 67 Applebee’s Grill & Bar^® restaurants in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and North Carolina. Headquartered outside of Washington, D.C., Potomac is focused on delivering a personalized, fun, friendly, carefree dining experience. Potomac Family Dining is also dedicated to ensuring that each location is reflective of its neighborhood and provides local residents, business professionals and travelers with a true neighborhood experience.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Courtney Brown, Applebee’s

703-577-5963, cbrown@potomacdining.com