Culver's(R) Raises More Than $180,000 for Local American Red Cross(R) Chapters During "Day of Giving" Fundraiser.

Local American Red Cross([R]) Chapters Benefit from 10 Percent of Sales Donation

PRAIRIE DU SAC, Wis. -- Culver's([R]) restaurants in 16 states raised more than $180,000 for local American Red Cross([R]) chapters during "Day of Giving" fundraising events on and around Wednesday, March 5. The fundraiser surpassed the system-wide goal of $175,000, and donation canisters are available at select locations throughout March.

More than 365 Culver's restaurants raised the funds through a 10 percent of sales donation as well as collected additional funds placed in canisters by generous guests. The money raised at each locally owned and operated restaurant will stay in the community in which it was donated to help the Red Cross pay for local community programs as well as emergency preparedness and disaster relief efforts. The fundraiser coincided with National Red Cross Month, a time when citizens celebrate and reflect upon the work of the Red Cross in communities throughout America.

"The money that was raised during Culver's 'Day of Giving' helps restore hope and dignity to local individuals during their most vulnerable times, such as during a crisis," said Roger Dahl, service area executive, Midwest Service Area for the Red Cross. "The donations will help our efforts to get people back on their feet as well as educate local citizens through community programs."

"The Red Cross is vital to ensuring individuals affected by life changing events, such as floods, fires, and other disasters, are cared for in their time of need," said Lea Culver, Culver's co-founder and a Red Cross volunteer. "The unity displayed by our franchisees and their guests to make this significant contribution to the Red Cross is truly humbling."

Every year the President of the United States proclaims March to be "Red Cross Month," giving the Red Cross an opportunity to promote its services and celebrate its successes in serving communities across the U.S. Red Cross emergency preparedness and disaster relief efforts focus on meeting the needs of individuals and families in local communities. When a disaster threatens or strikes, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, and health and mental health services that address basic human needs.