Thanks to the generous supporters of our annual Carino's Foundation golf tournament in October, our efforts to help children and families in the communities we serve will continue through 2012. We hosted our sponsors for a pre-tournament dinner and casino night, giving us an opportunity to express our thanks for their support and show how their contributions have been used to positively affect many lives. Traci Whitney from Autism Speaks moved all of us when she shared her family's story and offered her personal gratitude for our support of both Autism Speaks and Autism Society. I, too, am thankful to each of our tournament sponsors for enabling us to assist so many families just like Traci's. Special thanks go to our 2011 title sponsors: Tyson, DMA, National Food and Beverage, Maple Leaf and the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort. We literally could not do this without you. But 2011 isn't over yet, and the Foundation has been busy.
Partnering with popular syndicated radio show host Kidd Kraddick, 46 of our Carino's locations participated in a fundraiser for Kraddick's own organization "Kidd's Kids." Through this organization, Kidd Kraddick sends terminally and chronically ill children and their families on a dream trip to Disney World. The passion Kraddick has for these children is contagious and we were impressed by how he mobilizes his fans to support this worthy cause. His listeners and our customers rallied and came out in force on November 3rd, when 10% of net sales were donated back to Kidd's Kids. Over $15,000 was raised by the fundraiser alone, and the Carino's Foundation contributed an additional $5,000, for a grand total over $20,000. To put that in perspective, that is enough to send four additional families on a much deserved vacation, free from worry and stress.
This is the time of year for giving thanks and for giving. I am definitely thankful for being able to give all year long, and I appreciate all of those who help enable us to do what we love to do.
Sincerely,
Creed Ford III
President, Carino's Foundation
President and CEO, Carino's Italian