Sailormen Inc., one of the largest domestic franchisees of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurants, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association announced that the annual MDA Golf Classic and the 2018 “Appetite for a Cure” program have raised a record-breaking $1,007,789 to save and transform the lives of kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening diseases that severely weaken muscle strength and mobility.
The Sailormen Inc., Golf Classic celebrated its 14th anniversary on May 10 in Miami Lakes, Fla. at Don Shula’s Golf and Country Club. More than 60 companies sponsored the premier golf event that raised a total $261,407 to help families served by MDA.
Additionally, this year’s “Appetite for a Cure” program ran from Jan. 29 through March 18 at participating Popeyes restaurants in South Florida and across the Southeast. The program raised $746,382, through the sale of $1 coupon cards worth $30 to be used toward free and discounted purchases during future visits to Popeyes. The commitment of Sailormen Corporate and all of their employees to MDA’s mission contributed to the fundraising increase of nearly $200,000 over 2017.
“Our dedicated employees, loyal customers, and supportive business partners are essential to making these events for MDA a huge success,” says Sailormen Inc. CEO Kara Nordstrom. “For 14 years, we have brought people together to spread awareness and support MDA kids and adults. Through the Sailormen, Inc Golf Tournament and our ‘Appetite for a Cure’ campaign, I am proud to say we surpassed our $1,000,000 goal. This is great momentum as we head into our partnership’s 15th anniversary in 2019.”
Funds raised during the annual coupon program and golf tournament help MDA fund groundbreaking research and life-enhancing services such as the MDA Care Center at the University Of Miami School Of Medicine. It also helps send kids, ages 8-17, to “the best week of the year” at barrier-free MDA Summer Camp.
“The Sailormen community of employees and customers is incredibly powerful when they mobilize for a cause they care about,” adds MDA National Director Cheryl Kunkle. “For more than 14 years, MDA’s mission has aligned with Sailormen’s vision as a mission-driven company and we so thankful for their longstanding support.”