DALLAS, Texas, May 9, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - During the month of April, award-winning Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão partnered once again with Junior Achievement, the world's largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Together, $73,000 was raised nationwide, which will provide funding for nearly 2,500 students around the country to participate in financial literacy education! This is the third year that Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse has hosted dining events at its locations across the nation and is proud to announce a total donation to local Junior Achievement operations of $216,000 since 2012.
The authentic Southern Brazilian steakhouse offered a charitable dinner package at 18 of the restaurant's U.S. locations during the month of April - Financial Literacy Month - for a special price of $45-$50 per person (a $75 value) and $25 for children ages six to 10. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefited the Junior Achievement chapters in each of the cities to raise awareness around the need for youth financial literacy education and to support broader implementation of Junior Achievement programs.
The Fogo de Chão restaurants that participated in this initiative for Financial Literacy Month include: Dallas, Texas; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Denver, Colorado; Baltimore, Maryland; Beverly Hills, California; Chicago, Illinois; Houston, Texas; Miami, Florida; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Atlanta, Georgia; Orlando, Florida; Indianapolis, Indiana; Austin, Texas; Scottsdale, Arizona; Rosemont, Illinois; Las Vegas, Nevada; Kansas City, Missouri; and San Antonio, Texas. Many of the events were sold out, and local diners are appreciated for their participation.
"On behalf of Junior Achievement, we are incredibly thankful for Fogo de Chão's continued support over the years," said Jack E. Kosakowski, president and CEO of Junior Achievement USA®. "Their generosity allows local JA offices to expand implementation of critical youth financial literacy education."
In addition to the combined $73,000 raised through the fundraising events, Fogo de Chão also donated $9,000 in promotional cards to benefit local Junior Achievement chapters' initiatives throughout year. "Junior Achievement is an incredible organization and we have always felt an alignment with its mission to teach financial literacy, and in particular, entrepreneurship," said Larry Johnson, CEO of Fogo de Chão. "Entrepreneurship is at the heart of what has made our company successful since our first restaurant opened in Brazil, 35 years ago. The thought they we may, in our own small way, help inspire youth through Junior Achievement is very exciting for us all."
For more information on Junior Achievement, please visit the website at http://www.ja.org.
About Junior Achievement USA® (JA):
Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches 4.4 million students per year in 116 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.7 million students served by operations in 120 other countries worldwide. Visit http://www.ja.org for more information.
About Fogo de Chão:
Fogo de Chão® Churrascaria - Brazilian Steakhouse was founded in 1979 in Porto Alegre, Brazil and expanded into the U.S. in 1997. There are currently 33 locations throughout Brazil and the United States, with the recent openings in New York City, San Jose, Portland, and the Jardins neighborhood of São Paulo. http://www.Fogo.com.
The Fogo de Chão dining experience is based on the centuries-old Gaucho tradition known as churrasco, the Gaucho way of roasting meats over open pits of fire. This authentic Southern Brazilian steakhouse features an extensive variety of delectable, fire-roasted meats that are specially carved to each guest's preference. Additionally, Fogo offers a colorful gourmet salad and sides bar with an abundance of fresh and seasonal choices, and Southern Brazilian side dishes are served family style. A tempting dessert menu, creative and classic cocktails, and an award-winning wine list complement the dining experience.
With Brazil hosting worldwide sporting events in 2014 and 2016, all eyes are on Brazil, and this is the perfect way to learn the culture and partake in its unique cuisine. Check out "The Gaucho Way", a documentary-style video that is shot through the eyes of real Fogo de Chão Brazilian gauchos and explores the restaurant's deep cultural roots in Southern Brazil (http://bit.ly/1jMHAtm).
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