More than 1,000 volunteers from Texas Roadhouse restaurants in 47 states today participated in a “Texas-size” humanitarian project benefiting Restore Hope Orlando, a community center serving residents of the Orange County’s Holden Heights area.
The volunteers were in Orlando as part of the company’s annual conference at Grande Lakes Orlando. In keeping with its tradition of giving back, the company reserves one day of its four-day conference for humanitarian projects.
This year’s project, held in collaboration with the Heart of Florida United Way Volunteer Resource Center, included major renovations and improvements for Restore Hope Orlando, a faith-based organization founded in 1997 that helps the community achieve a higher standard of life through home ownership, education, economic development and Christian values.
Texas Roadhouse, based in Louisville, Kentucky, donated all of the materials and labor for the project, which included carpet installation, furniture assembly, landscaping improvements, electronics, office equipment, appliances and mural painting. The company also donated and served food to the clients served by the agency.
“This is such a joyous occasion for Restore Hope Orlando,” said Carolyn Albritton, Executive Director. “As a result of the refurbishment work that Texas Roadhouse has conducted, we’ll be able to serve approximately 250 to 300 children per month, which is double than what we’ve been able to do.”
Albritton added, “In addition, we’ll be able to expand our summer program to give 100-plus children a safe place to go instead of turning to crime and drugs. This is the largest gift that we’ve received in our 20-year history.”
Texas Roadhouse operates 11 restaurants in Florida, including one with 170 employees located in Ocoee, Florida, a western suburb of Orlando. This is the second time four years that the company has returned to Orlando for its annual conference and completed large-scale volunteer projects utilizing its employees. Overall, 2012 marks the eighth year they have assisted community organizations across the U.S. and Canada during its annual meeting. Along with Orlando, Texas Roadhouse has also completed a major volunteer project in the Naples, Florida, area in 2010.
“We’re in the business to serve more than steak & potatoes,” said Travis Doster, spokesperson for Texas Roadhouse. “We also like to serve each and every community where we conduct our annual conference. It’s always held in a city where we have a location; and we feel it’s the least that we can do to give back. Our employees thoroughly enjoy it and it’s even a huge part of our corporate philosophy.”
“It’s evident from its mission statement, Legendary Food, Legendary Service, that Texas Roadhouse has an incredible sense of pride in everything it does,” stated Robert H. (Bob) Brown, President/CEO of Heart of Florida United Way. “Its passion for excellence extends well beyond its restaurants and benefits communities around the nation. Here in Central Florida, we are deeply grateful for their ‘Texas-sized’ contribution and honored that they’ve chosen to partner with the United Way Volunteer Resource Center.”
For more information about Heart of Florida United Way and volunteering in the Central Florida community, please visit www.hfuw.org or simply dial 2-1-1.
