In honor of National Kidney Month, Taco Cabana is raising money to support the National Kidney Foundation. During the entire month of March, Taco Cabana will donate $1 for every shareable menu item purchased to the National Kidney Foundation. The fundraiser extends to all participating Taco Cabana restaurants across Texas in March and applies to Taco Cabana’s three shareable menu items: Kickin’ Grande Nachos, Trio Sampler, and Dippin’ Trio.

The National Kidney Foundation is special to Taco Cabana because of its personal connection with Richard Stockinger, CEO and President of Fiesta Restaurant Group (parent company of Taco Cabana). In 2004, Stockinger received a kidney transplant from his sister, and has made it his mission to help others get the same chance he had.

“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for early detection and my sister’s kidney donation,” explained Stockinger. “I’m living proof that transplantation can give you a normal life, and I want everyone to understand they can give that same second chance to someone by becoming a donor.”

According to the National Kidney Foundation, many people who need kidney transplants cannot get them because of a shortage of donations. Of the approximately 100,000 Americans currently on the waiting list for a life-saving kidney transplant, only about 17,000 people receive one each year. Every day, 12 people die waiting for a kidney.

“We sincerely thank Taco Cabana for their support of the National Kidney Foundation,” said Neil Foote, an organ donor and board chair of the National Kidney Foundation serving Texas. “More than ever, we need widespread support to raise awareness about kidney disease. We need to reach people where they are to let them know how important it is to find out if they’re at risk for kidney disease, to ask their healthcare professionals about their kidney health, and to learn more about living organ donation.”

Taco Cabana hopes that this partnership with the National Kidney Foundation will help save lives by driving awareness for early detection and the need for kidney donors.