MADISON (WKOW) — Texas Roadhouse on Madison's east and west side is donating 100% of its proceeds Thursday to the Abundant Life Christian School fund.
"Dine to Donate" is a fundraiser the restaurant often hosts, with 10% of the proceeds going to the particular cause. Store Marketer Nicole Holzmann said October is an example of this initiative as money is collected all month to support breast cancer awareness.
"Because Texas Roadhouse is a large worldwide name, we can utilize that name and make sure that we're supporting the communities that we are in," Holzmann said.
She and Managing Partner Mikaela Beske remember exactly where they were when they saw the news of the shooting in Madison on December 16.
"I was right in that to-go room, right over there. I just opened up my phone, and it was the first thing that popped up. And my heart just sank," Beske said. "The first thing that's in my head is, 'What can I do? What do I need to do? How can I help?' and I immediately reached out to her [Holzmann]."
Holzmann said she went through the heartbreak and immediately jumped into action.
"I know that it didn't hurt me specifically, other than heartache, but it destroyed someone's family, and it will change people's lives from now on. So I just knew that," she said.
On the day of the shooting, Holzmann brought bread to first responders.
"Making sure that we can jump into the community," she said. "A big hug around Madison."
With the help of those at the Texas Roadhouse on Madison's east side, Holzmann and Beske decided that 10% of their proceeds was not enough to give to the ALCS fund. They decided that 100% will be donated to the cause.
"At the end of the day, we [store managers from the east and west side] will both come together, put that big check together," Beske said. "We'll be collecting donations also inside the store."
The effort from Texas Roadhouse comes just days after the "Make Your Meal Matter" fundraiser at Culver's. The lines wrapping around many of the 80 participating restaurants have Holzmann and Beske anticipating a big turnout.
"We brought it up to all of our staff, letting them know, like, 'Hey, it's going to be a big night, if anybody's willing to come in and help us' and we had just about everybody raised their hands," Beske said.
Texas Roadhouse is including dine in and takeout in Thursday's fundraiser. It's also collecting donations inside the store.
"It's not about us gaining business from this. It's about the community and the involvement that we're putting forth to it," Beske said.
Abundant Life Christian School is sharing the 'Dine to Donate' fundraiser on its social media. It said it is grateful for all the support from businesses and organizations.
Texas Roadhouse on Watts Road is open from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday.
Texas Roadhouse on Annamark Drive is open from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday.
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