With social responsibility being the foundation of its ambition, the Apple Gold Group, franchisee of Applebee’s restaurants in North Carolina, Oklahoma and Arkansas, is proud to announce it has been named the 2010 Neighbor of the Year, by Applebee’s. This award, which is the highest honor an Applebee’s Franchise can earn, recognizes the organization that demonstrates the greatest commitment to serving its neighbors and communities through a variety of outreach methods throughout the year.
“This year’s ‘Neighbor of the Year’ epitomizes the many facets of being a great neighbor,” said Renee Weston, Director Field and Franchise Human Relations for Applebee’s Services, Inc. “Over the years we’ve watched this organization’s leadership fuel a passion for giving back to their neighbors, both through local charities near and dear to the heart of each restaurant, as well as the organization’s company-wide fundraising campaigns.”
In 2010, the Apple Gold Group helped raise over $1.3 million dollars for local charitable organizations. This amount is the result of their many successful fundraising efforts, including campaigns for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Flapjack Fundraisers and generous corporate donations.
The company’s Flapjack Fundraiser program, launched in October 2009, has proven to be its most successful grassroots fundraising initiative in their franchise’s history. Local non-profit organizations are invited to host a pancake and sausage breakfast for their guests as a way to raise money for their organization. Once the charity registers, each restaurant will supply the non-profit with tickets to sell, marketing materials to help promote the event and complimentary kitchen staff for the morning of the event. Over the last 12 months, the Apple Gold Group Flapjack Fundraiser program has raised over $1 million for local charities, civic groups and non-profit organizations.
“The Apple Gold Group cannot solely receive recognition for this honorable award. We could not have achieved our goals without the incredible support of our dedicated employees and guests,” said Michael Olander, President and CEO of the Apple Gold Group. “We take great pride in being a part of the communities we serve. It is because of our devoted neighbors that we have been successful in helping so many.”
The Apple Gold Group will continue its mission to strengthen and support its communities through the enthusiasm of their prized teams and shared commitment to their neighbors. For more information on the Apple Gold Group and its community outreach, please visit www.AGGrestaurants.com.
Apple Gold, Inc., one of the original five Applebee’s Franchisees, was founded in 1984 to develop and operate Applebee’s restaurants in North Carolina, opening its first Neighborhood Grill and Bar in North Carolina in 1985. A decade later, the company expanded its territory to include Oklahoma and then Arkansas, and currently operates 73 restaurants in those three states. The Apple Gold Group strives to be a recognized leader in both the casual dining industry and in local charitable fundraising. For more information on the Apple Gold Group, please visit www.AGGrestaurants.com.