SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 24, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Outback Steakhouse, a longtime supporter of U.S. military troops and their families, kicked off its second annual Thanks for Giving program this week by saying "thank you" to troops with a special visit at the Texas National Guard Armory in San Antonio. Accompanied by country music star and longtime supporter of the troops, Tim McGraw, Outback announced its commitment to donate $1 million of proceeds from its Red, White, and Bloomin' menu to Operation Homefront, a national non-profit providing emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors.
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"The sacrifices that our troops and their families make so we can enjoy the freedoms we have in the United States are something Outback Steakhouse has recognized and appreciated since we opened our doors 23 years ago," said Jeff Smith, president of Outback Steakhouse. "Outback's commitment to once again donate $1 million to Operation Homefront, along with our visit to the Texas National Guard Armory, is a token of our thanks to those who give so much."
Smith and McGraw accompanied Operation Homefront in fulfilling essential needs of several military families in San Antonio who receive assistance as a direct result of Operation Homefront's ongoing support. From housing that allows wounded-warriors to rehabilitate with their families, to school supplies and holiday toys for military kids, to funds to help cover unexpected expenses, gifts from Operation Homefront help military families in their transitions back to everyday life. Outbackers also took to the grills and prepared a plated lunch for 300 service members.
"I continue to be impressed by Outback Steakhouse's longtime support of the troops," said McGraw. "I am honored to be involved with the second annual Thanks for Giving program which not only satisfies some major needs of troops and their families, but also helps raise awareness and funds to support our selfless servicemen and women."
Created especially for Thanks for Giving 2011, the Red, White & Bloomin' menu will be available in participating Outback restaurants between now and April 5. Proceeds from this menu will help to meet Outback's 2011 $1 million commitment to Operation Homefront. Thanks for Giving allows restaurant-goers to express their appreciation to our country's dedicated servicemen and women while enjoying new items such as a Chicken Artichoke Flatbread, Hearts of Gold Mahi and Strawberry Waffle Shortcake dessert, in addition to Outback favorites. To view the menu, visit: http://www.outback.com/menu/.
Supporters can join with Outback to say "thanks" to the troops and all military heroes on Outback's Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/outback). The Facebook page will also feature a new webisode which allows viewers to meet a few of the military families who have benefited from Outback's 2010 $1 million donation to Operation Homefront.
Honoring the U.S. troops has always been a long-standing priority for Outback Steakhouse, and since first opening in 1988, Outback has hosted military events and initiatives all over the country and abroad including Outback's Operation Feeding Freedom initiative which sends teams of Outbackers to the frontlines to feed American troops stationed abroad. Since 2002, more than 167,000 troops in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and Turkey have been given a taste of home through this program.
"The outpouring of support from Outback Steakhouse during the past 23 years has been tremendous," said Brigadier General John Howard (Ret.), Operation Homefront Board Member. "As a retired member of the U.S. Military, it means so much to see the folks from Outback helping our active and retired servicemen, women and their families."
For more information about Thanks for Giving, please visit www.Outback.com.
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