Local Applebee’s Franchisee Surpasses Two Million Dollar Mark To U.S. Marine Corps “Toys For Tots”

Doherty Enterprises Inc., a franchisee operating sixty-one Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants in northern and central New Jersey and on Long Island, recently raised $290,000 during its eleventh annual holiday campaign benefiting the U.S. Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” Foundation and surpassed the company’s cumulative total of two million dollars in charitable giving.

The charity effort included an area-wide “Breakfast with Santa” fundraiser supported by guest donations of $10 per person plus employee-volunteered time at each restaurant and supplier contributions of food items. Doherty Enterprises financed all support for the event, including the cost of in-store posters, table tents and paper "gift packages," which were displayed in all restaurants and purchased by Applebee's guests for $1 each.

Locally, the Applebee’s restaurants in Warren County have raised nearly $7,500 to date from the Santa breakfast and the paper “gift-package” sales and the giving isn’t over yet. All participating Applebee’s locations will continue to raise money for “Toys for Tots” through the sale of “gift-packs” until December 31.

“Topping the cumulative two million dollar mark to “Toys for Tots” is a great milestone for our company. This outpouring of generosity is a testament to the commitment of our staff and our loyal guests that when our neighbors are in need of assistance, we are there to offer a helping hand,” said Edward Doherty, president of Doherty Enterprises Inc. “Applebee’s good-neighbor mission continues to foster hope among local groups and charities, even in harsh economic times. I’m delighted we could support such a great cause that will brighten the holidays for deserving children throughout our local neighborhoods.”

For more information about Doherty Enterprises, Inc. visit www.dohertyinc.com. To find an Applebee’s in your neighborhood, log onto www.applebees.com.

PHOTO CAPTION:

A MESSAGE OF HOPE… On behalf of Applebee’s in Northern & Central New Jersey and on Long Island, David DiBartolo, Vice President of Operations, Doherty Enterprises, Inc., presents a check for $290,000 to 1st Sgt. Kevin L. Maccheyne, USMC. During the past eleven years, Doherty Enterprises, Inc. has raised a cumulative total of over $2 million dollars for the U.S. Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” Foundation and has helped deliver a message of hope to underprivileged children throughout the local community.