News

NRA launches pilot program for military families in Texas

September 19, 2011

The National Restaurant Association and the Texas Restaurant Association have partnered for the launch of "Freedom is Sweet!"a fundraising campaign to support rehabilitation for military veterans from all branches of service and their families through housing, medical, athletic, occupational and physical training programs.

The pilot program is expected to become a nationwide community affairs initiative of the NRA and partner state restaurant associations in 2012.

Participating restaurants on and around the Veteran's Day holiday on Nov. 11 will dedicate a portion of their revenues to the Freedom is Sweet! campaign. Donations will be administered by the NRA and program administrator, Tee it up for the Troops, a 501(c)3 that sends 95 cents of every dollar to various charities supporting military veteran rehabilitation.

Freedom is Sweet! provides restaurant operators numerous opportunities to raise funds for military charities including:

• Customer-funded contributions such as donations and discount coupons for future visits;
• Donating a percentage of sales from Veteran's Day-related sales;
• Designating a specific menu item with proceeds supporting Freedom is Sweet!
• Creating a specialty drink or dessert; andOffering free meals or free menu items to veterans and members of the military

"The National Restaurant Association and the entire industry have supported military causes for decades. We believe that Freedom Is Sweet! can become a long-term, focused program to support and positively impact the lives of the active military, veterans and their families.," said David Gilbert, chief operating officer, NRA.

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