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Raleigh,
NC – April 2025 / NewsmakerAlert: Dedicated
to improving the lives of children of the nation’s military heroes, Golden
Corral has kicked off its annual fundraising campaign for Camp
Corral on April 7, with the goal of raising $1 million by June 15,
2025.
Camp
Corral is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to transform
the lives of children ages 8-15 of wounded, ill, and fallen military members
by providing camp, advocacy, and enrichment programs. Golden Corral is
a founding partner of the nonprofit, which helps campers connect with other
children just like them in a community that only Camp Corral can provide.
Since
Camp Corral was founded in 2011, Golden Corral restaurants in partnership
with Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
have raised more than $18 million for Camp Corral, helping send
over 35,000 military children to Camp Corral — at no cost to the families.
In 2024, Golden Corral restaurants and DAV raised over $2 million for Camp
Corral, which covered the cost for approximately 1,500 military children
to attend camp.
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In
2025, Camp Corral will provide 21 camp sessions across 18 states to nearly
3,000 children, allowing military children from across the country the
chance to attend this life-changing week of camp. At Camp Corral, military
kids are free to be kids, away from the stresses and unique challenges
of military life. Campers participate in fun outdoor activities that vary
by location, such as kayaking, horseback riding, ropes course challenges,
swimming, and rock climbing.
“Golden
Corral has been an essential partner in helping us provide lasting memories
and transformative experiences for our campers,” said Phil
Kowalczyk, CEO of Camp Corral. “Their continued commitment and support
allow us to offer top-quality camps at no cost, ensuring these kids receive
the care and attention they deserve. Many of them look forward to this
week-long experience all year because they can be themselves with others
who can relate.”
There
are two ways to donate — in person at a Golden Corral restaurant or online
at CampCorral.org. In-restaurant guests can donate to Camp Corral by purchasing
Fundraising Stars (a White Star for $1, Blue Star for $5, and Flag Star
for $10), purchasing a 32-ounce beverage in a special Golden Corral cup,
rounding up their bill at the register, or by donating online by scanning
a QR Code. Baked goods and t-shirts will also be available for purchase
to support the campaign at select locations.
“Camp
Corral has been a cornerstone of our commitment to serving our nation’s
heroes and their families,” said Lance
Trenary, CEO of Golden Corral. “We are incredibly proud of the impact
this campaign has had on military children across the country and the lasting
memories they carry with them. Thanks to the generosity of our guests and
the dedication of our restaurant teams nationwide, we’re looking forward
to exceeding our fundraising goals and reaching even more deserving kids
in 2025.”
Camp
Corral has served children from every state in the nation with resilience-based
programs focused upon the unique attributes and challenges shared by military-connected
children across the country. With over 89% of campers reporting forming
new friendships at camp, Camp Corral continues to be a transformative experience
for children across the U.S.
Visit
the Camp Corral website at CampCorral.org
for more information about attending or donating directly through the organization’s
website.
To
find a nearby Golden Corral, visit GoldenCorral.com/locations
or order online at GoldenCorral.com/order-online.
About
Golden Corral
Founded
in 1973 and based in Raleigh, N.C., Golden
Corral is the nation’s largest grill-buffet restaurant chain. Golden
Corral strives to make pleasurable dining affordable for all families.
Golden Corral restaurants are 99% locally owned and operated by independent
franchisees. While its commitment begins each day with preparing delicious
food, Golden Corral also believes in providing outstanding hospitality
and giving back. Service to others is a hallmark of the Golden Corral brand.
In 2023, Golden Corral was recognized as one of the nation’s top 50 “Most
Loved Brands” by Yelp. They were also recognized for valuing their customers
and providing excellent customer service by Newsweek, “America’s Best Customer
Service 2024.” In addition, Golden Corral has received multiple workplace
awards in recognition of their deep-rooted culture. Golden Corral restaurants
nationwide have long been strong supporters of the U.S. Military and DAV
(Disabled American Veterans) and have more recently partnered with Project
Healing Waters, an organization that helps active military service personnel
and Veterans in need through a dedicated, developed curriculum of fly fishing,
fly casting, fly tying, and fly rod building. Golden Corral is also the
founding sponsor of Camp Corral, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation,
which provides free, one-of-a-kind summer camp experiences for children
of wounded, injured, ill or fallen service members. For more information,
visit GoldenCorral.com and
follow Golden Corral on Facebook, Instagram and X.
About
Camp Corral
The
mission of Camp Corral is to
transform the lives of children of wounded, ill, and fallen military heroes
by providing camp, advocacy, and enrichment programs. Since 2011, Camp
Corral has served more than 33,000 military children from every state in
the nation. Camp Corral offers recreational programs designed specifically
to empower America’s military children to make connections, build coping
skills, and increase self-confidence. As a national leader and provider
of educational resources, research, and advocacy related to the challenges
faced by children of wounded, ill, and fallen military service members,
many of whom provide caregiving duties within the wounded warrior family
unit, Camp Corral helps build life skills to empower strong, resilient,
and independent individuals. Visit CampCorral.org
for more information.
Company
Contacts:
Angela
Hughes
Senior
Director,
National
Marketing & Media
LinkedIn
Paul
‘Skip’ Hanke
Chief
Marketing Officer
LinkedIn |
