ATLANTA, Ga. - Jan. 9, 2009: Greater Atlanta area Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar and Up The Creek restaurants partnered with the Georgia Transplant Foundation (GTF) this holiday season in an effort to raise funds for Georgia’s organ transplant community. “The Giving Tree” annual fundraising campaign ran from Nov. 28 to Dec. 24, raising a total of $20,153 for the foundation.

Throughout “The Giving Tree” initiative, AppleCreek Management Co.’s 40 Applebee’s locations and two Up The Creek restaurants, displayed Christmas trees featuring paper ornaments, set in increments of $1.00, $5.00, $10.00, or $25.00. Diners made donations to the cause by adding the cost of an ornament to their guest checks.

“We cannot thank Applebee’s and Up The Creek restaurants enough for their efforts,” said David Bakelman, GTF Executive Director. “With the support of these two companies and all of those who donated during this years’ annual “Giving Tree” program, we are able to continue providing financial, educational, and emotional support to transplant candidates and recipients throughout the state of Georgia.” 

The McDonough Applebee’s location brought in the most donations this year with a total of $5,368. The Douglassville, Pleasant Hill, Monroe, and Town Center locations were the next biggest contributors to the campaign.

To learn more about this annual holiday fundraising campaign, please visit www.gatransplant.org or call toll free 1.866.GA TX 411.

Founded in Atlanta in 1992, the Georgia Transplant Foundation (GTF) is a non-profit organization providing financial, educational, and emotional support to transplant candidates, recipients, living donors, and their families throughout the state of Georgia. GTF is funded through the generosity of the Carlos and Marguerite Mason Trust, corporations and individuals. Eighty-five percent of all funds raised directly support Georgia’s organ transplant community.  For more information, please visit www.gatransplant.org or call toll free 1.866.GA TX 411.

Applebee's Services Inc., and its affiliates, franchise and operate restaurants under Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and is a DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN) brand. As of September 30, 2008, there were 1,997 Applebee's restaurants operating system-wide in 49 states, 17 international countries and one U.S. territory, of which 480 were company-owned. Additional information on Applebee's can be found at the company's website www.applebees.com.

Up The Creek Restaurants of America, Inc. develops, franchises, and operates Up The Creek restaurants.  As of October 15, there were 12 restaurants operating in 7 states.  Additional information on Up The Creek restaurants can be found at the company’s website www.upthecreekusa.com.