Wounded warrior Donny Daughenbaugh to appear Wednesday in support of “Wall of Heroes” campaign
The happy hour event, scheduled for Wednesday, July 10th, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM, at the Bennigan’s at 8401 Westheimer Road, is being held in conjunction with, and in support of, the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes (Coalition), a leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to rebuilding the lives of severely wounded veterans of the War on Terror.
Daughenbaugh lives with a bullet lodged at the base of his skull near his brain, the result of being shot in the face while on night foot patrol with his squad in Mahmoudiya, a city south of Baghdad. He now serves as an Assistant Vice President and national spokesperson for the Coalition, the beneficiary of Bennigan’s second annual “Wall of Heroes” campaign. Daughenbaugh’s story is also featured on the Wall of Heroes site at www.WallofHeroes.org.
“We are so pleased that Donny has agreed to join us on Wednesday to spend time speaking with our guests and enjoying some of our Legendary Irish hospitality,” said Mohammad Amin, owner of the Houston location. “Donny is a true American hero and one of Texas’ own and it’s our honor to host him at our restaurant. We hope everyone in the area will swing by, shake Donny’s hand and take advantage of our food and drink specials.”
Wednesday’s happy hour specials will include half-off selected appetizers, $6.00 summer specialty cocktails and $3.00 domestic pints, wells and frozen margaritas.
Bennigan’s Wall of Heroes is a guest-inspired initiative that encourages customers to purchase a drink in honor of anyone that is currently serving or has served in the U.S. Armed Forces. They are then asked to write a message on a Wall of Heroes notecard supplied by their server, take a photo of the drink and the message, hashtag the photo with #WallofHeroes and upload it to Twitter or Instagram. Guests may also email the photo to heroes@bennigansfc.com.
For every #WallofHeroes photo uploaded, Bennigan’s is donating $1.00 to the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes. The campaign kicked off on Memorial Day and runs through Veterans Day, November 11th.
“The Wall of Heroes is an exceptional initiative and everyone associated with the Coalition is honored that Bennigan’s selected us as their partner this year,” said Daughenbaugh. “I’m really looking forward to mingling with the guests during Wednesday’s happy hour, but I hope they won’t mind if I take a few minutes to sink my teeth into a Monte Cristo while I’m there!”
Bennigan’s is quickly becoming known for its commitment to recruiting, advancing and supporting military veterans. Last month, the World Franchising Network (WFN) recognized Bennigan’s for its multi-faceted outreach by selecting the company to its Top 50 Franchises for Veterans in 2013. Announced during the International Franchise Expo in New York City, and published in the June 21st issue of USA Today, the Top 50 were selected from a pool of more than 425 applicants. The WFN evaluated companies on a wide array of measures, including veteran representation in senior management and franchise ranks, programs specifically created to attract veterans and discounts offered on initial investment, franchise fees and on-going royalties.
“Everyone at Bennigan’s recognizes the sacrifices made by the 20 million veterans now living in the U.S. and those still in harm’s way in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Korean peninsula and all across the globe,” said Bennigan’s President & CEO Paul Mangiamele. “Our dedication to honoring, supporting and partnering with these brave men and women is an uncompromising aspect of our corporate culture.”
Since he was recruited in 2011 to lead the iconic Bennigan’s brand back to its former glory, Mangiamele has instituted a program that waives the company’s franchise fee for all qualified and honorably discharged veterans. Operated through Bennigan’s membership in the International Franchise Association’s VetFran program, the franchise incentive offers a total savings of approximately $35,000 and runs through the end of 2013.
In addition, Bennigan’s is proud to offer a 10% discount to all U.S. veterans and active duty service members at participating locations through December 31, 2013. (Military ID required. Not valid on alcohol.)
The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Leesburg, VA, has provided an invaluable lifeline to thousands of America’s wounded veterans since its establishment in 2004. The Coalition is distinguished from other veteran-focused organizations by its direct financial and in-kind assistance to America’s wounded heroes. Its Emergency Financial Aid program has stopped foreclosure proceedings on veterans’ homes and kept their vehicles from being repossessed. The organization regularly provides gift checks to cover meals, medical and utility bills, clothing, car repairs and even baby diapers. For more information, and to learn how you can support its mission, visit www.saluteheroes.org.
Bennigan’s is a high-energy neighborhood restaurant and tavern that is redefining casual dining. With chef-driven food, innovative drinks and warm, friendly Irish Hospitality, this Legendary brand delivers memorable dining experiences to every guest, every meal, every day. Every member of the team “bleeds green” and demonstrates a 25/8 focus to support its franchise community. The company’s revolutionary comeback has introduced a new generation of Bennigan’s that reflects the brand’s history and pays respect to its rich heritage. Bennigan’s focus on reinvention, flexible prototypes,innovative food, Legendary service and other sales-generating initiatives has resulted in explosive growth both domestically and internationally.
For franchising information, visit www.bennigans.com or call 855-GOT-BENN.