PARSIPPANY — Applebees, 1057 Route 46, celebrated its annual “Breakfast with Santa” fundraiser on Saturday, December 5. Over 195 people attended the event, and Parsippany Applebees raised $3,150, in which Doherty Enterprises matches the amount raised and donates to the U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots program.
The fundraiser supports the efforts of the U.S. Marines Corps Toys for Tots program, currently in its 67th year, which distributes new toys to underprivileged children to brighten the holidays, unify local communities and deliver a message of hope.
Guests enjoyed breakfast compliments of Applebee’s along with goodies, raffle tickets for door prizes and the opportunity to take a photo with Santa Claus.
Tickets to Breakfast with Santa were $10.00 each.
Applebee’s raised additional funds by selling paper “gift packages” for $1.00 each, which were displayed in the restaurant. 100% of the proceeds from the Breakfast with Santa events and “gift package” purchases will be donated directly to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program to be distributed to local families.
“We are proud to once again partner with Toys for Tots for the 2015 holiday season, said Ed Doherty, founder and CEO of Doherty Enterprises. “Charitable giving is a focus within our company and the restaurants we operate, and our employees go above and beyond to do all they can to raise awareness and funds. As is it the season of giving, we are proud to be able to support this fantastic organization and its efforts within our local communities.”
Heading into its 17th year, Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises, which owns 107 Applebee’s restaurants across New Jersey, New York, Florida and Georgia, have raised over $3.6 million for the Toys for Tots initiative to date, helping to spread holiday cheer to over 230,000 deserving children.
“We are grateful to Doherty Enterprises and their continued support over the last sixteen years as a corporate sponsor,” said retired Marine General Pete Osman, the President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Ed Doherty and everyone on his team work extremely hard to make this program a success year after year, and we are fortunate to have them as a partner, as their generous contributions help us continue toward our goal of building better communities by providing support and hope.”
In addition to Toys for Toys, Doherty-owned Applebee’s restaurants provide support for charitable causes in the communities they serve year-round under the leadership of CEO Ed Doherty. To date, Applebee’s has raised and donated over $1.9 million for local charities through 1,350 events and sponsorships.
Just in time for the holidays, for every $50.00 gift card purchase, guests will receive a mystery bonus card, containing a value of up to $25.00. Offer valid now through December 31. Bonus cards valid from next visit through February 28.
About Doherty Enterprises, Inc.
Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises, Inc. is recognized as the 68th largest privately-held business in the New York Metro area by Crain’s Business and the 10th largest franchisee in the United States as ranked in the Restaurant Finance Monitor, operating eight restaurant concepts including: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, Quaker Steak & Lube, Noodles & Company, IHOP, and two of its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar and Italian Tapas. In 2015, Nation’s Restaurant News ranked Doherty Enterprises as the 78th largest U.S. Foodservice revenue company, up from 85 in 2014. To date, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates over 160 restaurants in northern, southern and central New Jersey, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Florida and Georgia – including newly acquired locations in the Miami area. The Doherty vision is to be the “Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve” and its mission is to “Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow Our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers.” (www.DohertyInc.com).
Toys for Tots, a 66 year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during each Christmas holiday season. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Last year the Marine Corps fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 6.8 million less fortunate children in 762 communities nationwide. Since 1947 over 222 million children have been assisted. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.
