Golden Corral Buffet and Grill restaurants announced today a seven percent increase over 2008 during its March-May fundraising campaign benefiting Children’s Miracle Network, an international non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals. Despite a weak economy, Golden Corral raised a total of $696,282 in 2009, more than seven percent over their 2008 total, and brought the restaurant chain’s five-year total to more than $2.6 million.

During the 10-week campaign, Golden Corral restaurants raised funds through various grassroots activities. However, the main focus for the 2009 campaign was the sale of one-dollar Miracle Balloons accompanied by a one-dollar Golden Corral coupon. Additional restaurant fundraising activities included auctions, community dinners, raffles and celebrity server nights. Because of Children’s Miracle Network’s commitment to keep funds in the communities where the money is donated, the money raised by Golden Corral will benefit approximately 100 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals across the country.

“Children’s Miracle Network is impressed by the dedication of Golden Corral employees, as well as the variety of fundraising tactics Golden Corral employs to support our hospitals,” said Brian Hazelgren, chief development officer, Children’s Miracle Network. “There is obviously strong commitment from corporate offices down to the employees at individual restaurants. Golden Corral personnel went the extra mile and because of their dedication, more children will receive the care and treatment they deserve.”

“Golden Corral employees strive to be productive members of their local community and participating in the Children’s Miracle Network campaign is one way to help children and involve the community,” said Ted Fowler, President and CEO of Golden Corral Corporation. “Each restaurant adds various creative fundraising activities to increase the contributions to Children’s Miracle Network year after year.”

Golden Corral has been a corporate fundraising partner of Children’s Miracle Network since 2005 and has raised more than $2.6 million for children’s hospitals over the past five years. These much needed funds given to Children’s Miracle Network hospitals may be used for specialized medical care, research and education.