Spring fundraiser raises $28,222 in the first two weeks—with donations matched on April 29
With World Wish Day approaching on Tuesday, April 29, T.L. Cannon Companies, the local franchisee of 54 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar restaurants across upstate New York, Connecticut, and Sayre, Pennsylvania, is inviting guests to help bring joy and hope to children with critical illnesses by participating in their Spring Make-A-Wish Fundraiser, running through May 4.
This seasonal initiative encourages guests to make a $5 donation in support of their local Make-A-Wish chapter. In return, guests receive a voucher valid for a free Mozzarella Stick appetizer on their next Applebee’s visit—combining great flavor with a great cause.
In just the first two weeks, Applebee’s teams have already raised $28,222—an incredible showing of generosity and heart from guests and crew alike. This effort directly supports seven regional Make-A-Wish chapters, helping grant life-changing wishes for children right in our communities.
This spring, the company has set an aspirational goal to raise $10,000 per chapter. While ambitious, this benchmark helps spotlight the real and lasting impact these donations can have across the communities they serve.
To celebrate World Wish Day on April 29, T.L. Cannon Companies will match all guest donations made in-restaurant that day, doubling the difference with every donation made.
This seasonal initiative encourages guests to make a $5 donation in support of their local Make-A-Wish chapter. In return, guests receive a voucher valid for a free Mozzarella Stick appetizer on their next Applebee’s visit—combining great flavor with a great cause.
In just the first two weeks, Applebee’s teams have already raised $28,222—an incredible showing of generosity and heart from guests and crew alike. This effort directly supports seven regional Make-A-Wish chapters, helping grant life-changing wishes for children right in our communities.
This spring, the company has set an aspirational goal to raise $10,000 per chapter. While ambitious, this benchmark helps spotlight the real and lasting impact these donations can have across the communities they serve.
To celebrate World Wish Day on April 29, T.L. Cannon Companies will match all guest donations made in-restaurant that day, doubling the difference with every donation made.
There’s something powerful about uniting our neighborhoods for a shared purpose. Make-A-Wish holds a special place in the hearts of our teams, and we’re proud to continue this meaningful tradition with the support of our guests.
said Stephanie Griffin, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at T.L. Cannon Companies.
Since 2008, T.L. Cannon Companies has raised more than $2.2 million for Make-A-Wish, equating to nearly 280 wishes. This spring’s fundraiser builds on that momentum with the same passion and community spirit the franchise is known for.
We see firsthand how wishes can inspire courage and joy in the toughest times. It’s not just about dollars—it’s about the hope we can give, together.
Matt Fairbairn, CEO of T.L. Cannon Companies
Guests can donate in-restaurant at participating Applebee’s locations through May 4, 2025 and receive their free Mozzarella Stick voucher at the time of donation. Vouchers are redeemable on their next visit and through 7/6/2025. They can be redeemed for dine-in or to-go orders. Donation matching will happen on 4/29/25, at participating Applebee’s locations. For a full list of the 54 T.L. Cannon owned/operated participating locations, visit: www.tlcannon.com/locations.
For more information on T.L. Cannon Companies' community initiatives and contributions, visit: www.tlcneighborhood.com.
For inquiries, contact Kaitlyn Piazza at kpiazza@tlcannon.com.
About T.L. Cannon Companies
T.L. Cannon Companies is a private owner/operator of 54 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants in Upstate New York, Connecticut, and Sayre, Pennsylvania. In 2024, the company raised over $151,330 for their local Make-A-Wish chapters, in addition to supporting 439 groups with their in-restaurant & carryout fundraisers. T.L. Cannon was recognized by the Applebee’s brand in 2023 with the “Lloyd Hill Neighbor of the Year” award for their outstanding commitment to community—this is the ninth time receiving this award. For fourteen consecutive years, the company received the New York State Restaurant Association’s “Restaurant Neighbor Award” for their community-based programs. In 2022, T.L. Cannon was recognized at the national level with the "Bill Palmer Heart of Applebee's" award for their ongoing support of Make-A-Wish. Visit tlcneighborhood.com to view other community involvement initiatives.
About Applebee’s®
As one of the world’s largest casual dining brands, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America’s kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Applebee’s makes it easy for family and friends to connect with one another, whether it’s in a dining room or in the comfort of a living room, Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood™ is a familiar and affordable escape from the everyday. Applebee's restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to more than serving great food, but also building up the communities that we call home. From raising money for local charities to hosting community fundraisers, Applebee’s is always Doin’ Good in the Neighborhood®. Applebee’s franchise operations consisted of 1,567 Applebee’s restaurants in the United States, two U.S. territories and 15 countries outside the United States, and 47 company-operated U.S restaurants as of December 29, 2024. This number does not include one domestic Applebee’s ghost kitchen (small kitchens with no store-front presence, used to fill off-premise orders) and four Applebee’s international ghost kitchens. Applebee's is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world's largest full-service restaurant companies.
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For more information on T.L. Cannon Companies' community initiatives and contributions, visit: www.tlcneighborhood.com.
For inquiries, contact Kaitlyn Piazza at kpiazza@tlcannon.com.
About T.L. Cannon Companies
T.L. Cannon Companies is a private owner/operator of 54 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants in Upstate New York, Connecticut, and Sayre, Pennsylvania. In 2024, the company raised over $151,330 for their local Make-A-Wish chapters, in addition to supporting 439 groups with their in-restaurant & carryout fundraisers. T.L. Cannon was recognized by the Applebee’s brand in 2023 with the “Lloyd Hill Neighbor of the Year” award for their outstanding commitment to community—this is the ninth time receiving this award. For fourteen consecutive years, the company received the New York State Restaurant Association’s “Restaurant Neighbor Award” for their community-based programs. In 2022, T.L. Cannon was recognized at the national level with the "Bill Palmer Heart of Applebee's" award for their ongoing support of Make-A-Wish. Visit tlcneighborhood.com to view other community involvement initiatives.
About Applebee’s®
As one of the world’s largest casual dining brands, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America’s kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Applebee’s makes it easy for family and friends to connect with one another, whether it’s in a dining room or in the comfort of a living room, Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood™ is a familiar and affordable escape from the everyday. Applebee's restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to more than serving great food, but also building up the communities that we call home. From raising money for local charities to hosting community fundraisers, Applebee’s is always Doin’ Good in the Neighborhood®. Applebee’s franchise operations consisted of 1,567 Applebee’s restaurants in the United States, two U.S. territories and 15 countries outside the United States, and 47 company-operated U.S restaurants as of December 29, 2024. This number does not include one domestic Applebee’s ghost kitchen (small kitchens with no store-front presence, used to fill off-premise orders) and four Applebee’s international ghost kitchens. Applebee's is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world's largest full-service restaurant companies.
Follow us:
Instagram: @applebees
TikTok: @applebees
X: @applebees
Facebook: www.facebook.com/applebees
