On Monday, Nov. 14, Golden Corral will thank thousands of active-duty and retired United States Military personnel for their service with a free dinner buffet and beverage, while raising donations for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). A tradition started 10 years ago to celebrate our nation's heroes, Golden Corral's Military Appreciation Monday has served almost three million complimentary meals to military personnel and generated more than $5 million dollars in contributions for state and local DAV chapters.
"We have 45,000 employees in 485 restaurants nationwide that are very passionate about supporting our military service men and women, and look forward to supporting Military Appreciation Monday annually," says Ted Fowler, president and chief executive officer of Golden Corral. "While the current economy is challenging, we remain committed to recognizing the military through this program and look forward to reaching 3.5 million meals served and $6 million raised this year."
Golden Corral has enlisted Gary Sinise, celebrated actor/director, and Collective Soul, the platinum award-winning band, to record public service announcements for Military Appreciation Monday. Sinise and Collective Soul are all actively involved in supporting active-duty and retired military personnel through a variety of organizations and initiatives including tours to military installations overseas.
"This is the seventh year I've had the pleasure to partner with Golden Corral in supporting our troops, past and present, through Military Appreciation Monday," Sinise says. "The number of meals given away and amount of money donated in the past 10 years really distinguishes Golden Corral's commitment to the military. I'm proud and happy to help raise awareness for Golden Corral Military Appreciation Monday."
Golden Corral will serve free dinner buffets with beverage from 5–9 p.m. on Nov. 14 to any person who is or has served in a United States Military branch, including the National Guard and Reserves – identification is not required. State and local DAV representatives will be on-site at all Golden Corral locations coordinating the collection of donations from customers. While only current and former military qualify for the free meal, everyone is encouraged to come out and show support for our veterans. For more information on Military Appreciation Monday, please visit http://www.goldencorral.com/military/.
