Portland, OR (PRWEB) September 22, 2012
Elmer’s®, a group of locally owned restaurants located throughout the Pacific Northwest, will receive the Restaurant Neighbor Award in the large business category from the National Restaurant Association on Sunday, September 23rd. As the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association submits candidates for this award, it is a high honor recognizing companies that exemplify community service and inspire other restaurant establishments to engage their local communities. After receiving this award, Elmer’s® will go on to compete for the National Restaurant Neighbor Award against other state winners across the country.
“We’re proud of the Elmer’s® team for their continued commitment to our communities and for setting the example of what it means to be a good neighbor,” said Jerry Scott, Elmer’s® Restaurants’ CEO. “It’s an honor to receive this prestigious award, and we couldn’t have done it without the dedication of our amazing team.”
Elmer’s® makes it a priority to care for their communities by reaching out to families, children and homeless people who are hurting and hungry. Since 2011, Elmer’s® and their dedicated team have raised a total of $55,824 for the Children’s Cancer Association. To raise these funds, the Elmer’s® team encouraged guests to donate to the Hearts of Joy program by purchasing a $1 or $5 Heart of Joy. Additionally, Elmer’s® team members volunteered to answer phones during the Children’s Cancer Associations radio-thon, and simultaneously matched all $5 Heart of Joy donations made in-store for a gift of up to $5,000 each year.
While partnering with non-profit organizations such as Portland Rescue Mission, the Children’s Cancer Association and the Portland Rose Festival Foundation, Elmer’s® consistently pushes themselves to better the community and make a positive impact with families. In addition to the Hearts of Joy campaign, Elmer’s® created a meal-matching initiative last fall that raised 10,284 meals for hurting and hungry people served by Portland Rescue Mission. This campaign will begin again on November 1, 2012. Additionally, Elmer’s® developed The Rose Meal Program to benefit the Rose Festival Foundation. The program consists of Elmer’s donating $1 from each entrée purchased from the Rose Meal Menu, a list of three special menu items with fresh strawberries, to help raise money for this enriching, family-friendly event in the Portland Metro Area each year. Since 2010, the Rose Meal Program has raised a total of $29,560.
“Restaurants are cornerstones of our community,” said Steve McCoid, CEO of the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Elmer’s® is a shining example of a company who is very successful and sincerely believes it is important to give back and help those in need.”
Company Profile
Since 1960, Elmer’s® has been providing quality food ingredients and gracious service that make you feel at home. As a group of locally owned restaurants, there are now 25 locations throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California where patrons enjoy farm-fresh, Northwest ingredients including Tillamook Cheese, Boyd’s Coffee, Rogue Blue Cheese, Zenner Sausages and Oregon Hazelnuts. Elmer’s® recently received national recognition, securing a Top 10 ranking with the leading consumer rating publication in the category of Family Restaurants, with high marks on four main attributes consisting of taste, value, service and mood. Elmer’s® takes pride in their surrounding communities and strives to be the restaurant of choice for families. Elmer’s® Restaurants… 25 communities, 11 local owners, 1 family.
