Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Donates $985,000 To Give Kids The World

MEMPHIS, Tenn., April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Perkins & Marie Callender's, LLC today announced a $985,000 donation to Give Kids The World (GKTW), funds that will support the operation of the Gingerbread House, a one of a kind whimsical 300-seat restaurant opened by Perkins in 1990 and located in the heart of the 70-acre, non-profit, storybook resort.  To date Perkins has served over 4 million cost-free meals at the Gingerbread House where guests enjoy breakfast and dinner every day of their visit.   

Since 1990 Perkins has successfully raised in excess of $17 million for Give Kids The World.   Bob Winters, Senior Vice President of Development at Perkins & Marie Callender's, LLC and the company's liaison to GKTW comments, "Thanks to the generosity of our employees, franchisees, guests and vendors, we help make a difference in the lives of the special children and families who visit Give Kids The World each year.  It is an honor to have a long standing relationship with a charity that touches so many in such a positive way." 

Pamela Landwirth, President of Give Kids The World adds, "Give Kids The World is truly grateful for the boundless generosity of Perkins Restaurants for hosting numerous bake sales, raffles, golf tournaments and more for over two decades to help fulfill the wishes of our children. Their continued support has provided millions of delicious meals for our deserving families in the Gingerbread House Restaurant, allowing our guests the opportunity to spend precious time together as a family."  A highlight of the fundraising efforts occurred this past September, when Perkins Restaurants & Bakeries held their second Pancake Day benefitting Give Kids The World, offering a free short stack of Perkins pancakes to guests who were then asked to consider making a donation to the charity.  Winters states, "Our management team, crews and guests outdid themselves raising a significant amount of money.  We are truly humbled by their efforts. "

About Perkins Restaurants & Bakeries:
Founded in 1958, the Perkins system consists of 416 restaurants in 33 states and Canada, which includes 134 company-owned and operated restaurants and 282 franchised units. The Company also has a baked goods manufacturing division which produces  pies, pancake mix, cookie dough, and muffin batter for in-store bakeries and third-party customers. Private investment funds managed by Wayzata Investment Partners LLC are the majority owners of Perkins & Marie Callender's Holding, LLC, the parent company of the Perkins & Marie Callender's, LLC and affiliated companies. More information about Perkins can be found on www.perkinsrestaurants.com.

About Give Kids The World:
Give Kids The World Village (GKTW) is a 70-acre, non-profit resort in Central Florida that creates magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. GKTW provides accommodations at its whimsical resort, donated attractions tickets, meals and more for a weeklong, cost-free fantasy vacation. With the help of many generous individuals, corporations and partnering wish-granting organizations, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 120,000 families from all 50 states and over 70 countries. Visit www.gktw.org for more information on GKTW and its mission.

SOURCE Perkins & Marie Callender's, LLC