Glory Days Grill® Raises More Than $10,000 for Make-A-Wish Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Thursday, June 24, 2004
CONTACT: ANNIE HARTSOCK, 571-237-2256

Fundraiser is a Success in Spite of Weather-Related Obstacles

Fairfax, VA — Glory Days Grill, a regionally owned and operated restaurant chain, held its fifth annual benefit for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic on Friday, June 4, 2004 at its Germantown, Maryland location. The benefit, held from 5 PM to Midnight, raised more than $10,000 in spite of the restaurant losing power from 8:30 PM until Midnight due to stormy weather conditions. Loyal patrons and supporters participated in the annual sports auction by candlelight. The monies will fulfill the wish of a 5-year-old Gaithersburg, Maryland resident who suffers from a life-threatening medical condition. The child's wish to go on a Disney Cruise was fulfilled, and she was able to meet her favorite Disney characters while spending valuable time with her family.

Most of the fundraising dollars were raised through a sports memorabilia auction that included such items as an autographed photo of Tiger Woods and an autographed soccer ball and jersey of D.C. United's Freddy Adu. Morning personality Mark Kessler of WARW 94.7 guest-bartended and donated tips to the effort. In addition, the entire staff of Glory Days Grill donated their time and all of their tips. "The Make-A-Wish Foundation is proud to partner with Glory Days Grill and help make wishes come true for special children in our area," said Ralph A. Nappi Jr., president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic. "Through continued support from local businesses like Glory Days Grill, children who fight life's greatest challenges will have something positive to look forward to during their most difficult times."

Operating 15 restaurants in four states, Glory Days Grill has been recognized for a variety of charitable contributions and fundraising efforts for the local communities and was a state winner and national finalist for the 2003 Restaurant Neighbor Award sponsored by the National Restaurant Association. Last year alone, the restaurant chain contributed more than $120,000 to the neighborhoods they serve through their Dining for Dollars program, youth and adult team sponsorships and other charitable efforts.

Glory Days Grill is an American grill and bar offering great food and good sports to families and people of all age groups. The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Mid-Atlantic, Inc. is a non-profit organization that fulfills the wishes of children facing life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

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