Doherty Enterprises‘ Applebee’s hopes to reach $5.5 million in total donations for Toys for Tots over the past 25 years, launching its 25th annual holiday campaigns at participating restaurants in New Jersey, New York, Florida and Georgia this holiday season.
Each year, Doherty-owned Applebee’s locations support the Toys for Tots Foundation by coming up with unique and fun donation opportunities for their guests to join. For the 25th anniversary this year, special elements and events have been added to the fundraising campaign to help reach a goal of $5.5 million in total donations since 1998.
100% of the collected contributions will be donated directly to the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program so new toys can be distributed to deserving area families.
The campaign will run from Wednesday to Dec. 31. Guests will be able to participate by purchasing “paper gift” donations that will be hung throughout the restaurants, donating their change by rounding up their check or making separate cash donations to help show their support for the cause. Additionally, a portion of proceeds from holiday-inspired cocktails like “Mucho Jack” and “Jingle & Mucho Cranberry Margarita” will be donated to the cause.
Special anniversary festivities include a limited-edition golden 25th anniversary gift pack that guests can purchase by donating $25 or more. For every $25-plus donation, guests will have the chance to join the festivities by ringing sleigh bells, and, at select locations, they may even be serenaded with a joyful holiday carol from Applebee’s team members.
Additional activations include a “25 Days of Deals” calendar housed with daily promotions each day, as well as Breakfast with Santa events in various Applebee’s locations throughout December. In the spirit of giving, 10% of guest sales will be donated for customers who participate by wearing an ugly sweater on National Ugly Sweater Day, which falls on Dec. 15.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Toys for Tots for the 25th year and are honored to support underserved children in our local communities during the holiday season year after year,” Kurt Pahlitzsch, Doherty’s vice president of operations, said. “Our commitment to this cause is a reflection of our dedication to the community, and we love bringing joy to children in need as well as adding festive elements of fun for our guests.”
Since its inception, Doherty Enterprises-owned Applebee’s restaurants have generated more than $5.2 million through their Toys for Tots fundraising campaign to benefit local communities.
