Raleigh, N.C.) — The Apple Gold Group, franchisee of Applebee’s restaurants in North Carolina, Oklahoma and Arkansas, is proud to have helped the Middle Creek High School Softball Team raise $4,173 in just two-and-a-half hours at a recent Flapjack Fundraiser. All proceeds raised will benefit volunteer softball coach, George Robb’s, medical expenses incurred from a major 4-wheeling accident at the beginning of November.

“This has been one our most successful Flapjack Fundraisers to date,” said Michael Olander, President and CEO of Apple Gold Group. “Our thoughts continue to go out to Coach Robb in his road to recovery and we thank all of the volunteers and Applebee’s employees who contributed to this amazing event.”

The Middle Creek High School Softball Flapjack Fundraiser was hosted on January 9, 2010 by the Applebee’s restaurant located at 1480 North Main Street in Fuquay-Varina. The group sold 300 tickets to the event and nearly $2,000 in additional donations were collected throughout the event. Breakfast included a short stack of pancakes, sausage, milk, juice and coffee.

Applebee’s is proud to partner with any local non-profit organization as a way to raise money for their cause. From ticket sales to event-day staff, the breakfasts are managed by the non-profit organization with the assistance of Applebee’s employee volunteers. Breakfasts can be held on any Saturday or Sunday morning, and cost the organization around $2 a meal. The Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraisers represent the restaurant chain’s latest efforts to remain active within its local neighborhood. To request a Flapjack Fundraiser to benefit your non-profit organization, please visit www.AGGrestaurants.com.

About Apple Gold Group

Apple Gold, Inc., one of the original five Applebee’s Franchisees, was founded in 1984 to develop and operate Applebee's restaurants in North Carolina, opening its first Neighborhood Grill and Bar in North Carolina in 1985. A decade later, the company expanded its territory to include Oklahoma and then Arkansas, and currently operates 72 restaurants in those three states. The Apple Gold Group strives to be a recognized leader in both the casual dining industry and in local charitable fundraising. For more information on Apple Gold Group, please visit www.AGGrestaurants.com.