May 19, 2013

Industry News | February 21, 2013

Taco John's Makes $50K Donation to Yellow Ribbon Fund

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Taco John's, Charitable Giving

The long road to recovery from traumatic combat injuries is getting a little easier for hundreds of American service members and their families, thanks to a donation from Taco John’s.

The quick-service Mexican restaurant chain has contributed $50,000 to the Yellow Ribbon Fund.

“Much of what we do helps those who are among the most severely injured; those who lost limbs or who are suffering from traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” says Mark Robbins, executive director of the Yellow Ribbon Fund. “This donation from Taco John’s will help us provide free hotel rooms or apartments, so family members can be close to their loved one during his or her recovery,” he adds. “We appreciate all that everyone at Taco John’s, the franchisees, and your great customers have done to support our mission.”

With the $50,000 donation from Taco John’s, the Yellow Ribbon Fund will be able to provide approximately 160 hotel room nights, 650 cab rides, and 1,000 rental car days.

The hotel rooms will be used by family members; the cab rides will benefit both the injured service member and family members; and the rental cars are provided to family members, but may be used to help transport injured service members.

“We have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for our service men and women,” sasys Renée Middleton, vice president of marketing at Taco John’s. “We all have friends, neighbors, and loyal customers who serve in the military.

“In some cases, they are the families receiving support from the Yellow Ribbon Fund,” she continues. “We have a history of raising support for national and local charities during our annual Nachos Navidad holiday promotion. This year, it was a privilege to partner with the Yellow Ribbon Fund.”

In addition to the cash donation, Taco John’s also provided a 13-foot banner filled with words of support for the wounded soldiers. Taco John’s customers were invited to digitally sign or text a message to display on the banner.

The oversized greeting card was recently delivered to the Yellow Ribbon Fund and shared with service members at numerous facilities, including Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.