BUFFALO – T.L. Cannon Companies, the franchisee for 60 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants in upstate New York and Connecticut, provided more than $2.2 million in fundraising and in-kind support to community nonprofits and organizations in 2013. Buffalo-area groups raised more than $406,000 for their respective organizations through opportunities provided by Applebee’s restaurants across the region.

Buffalo Applebee’s supported groups, causes, schools and nonprofits in the following ways in 2013:

Flapjack Fundraisers – Buffalo area schools and youth organizations holding Flapjack Fundraisers in 2013 raised more than $308,000 for their programs.

Special Olympics – Applebee’s patrons tipped local law enforcement officers with proceeds benefiting Special Olympics athletes across New York state. More than $9, 800 was raised from Buffalo area Law & Orders fundraising events in 2013.

Make-A-Wish Fund-raisers – From hosting dinners to selling star magnets to decor auctions and other events, Buffalo area restaurants committed over $23,700 to wish kids in 2013.

Dining to Donate – More than 38 Dining to Donate fundraisers were held at Buffalo area restaurants, raising more than $3,000.

A is for Applebee’s – In return for positive achievements, area teachers reward students with free kid’s meals at Applebee’s. Thousands of cards were awarded, valued at more than $2,400.

Bookworm Reading Club – Area parents and teachers rewarded students for reading books as part of Applebee’s summer reading program. Thousands of meals were awarded, for a value of more than $57,990.

Cool Credit – In exchange for positive achievements, schools rewarded students with cards for free appetizers at Applebee’s. Thousands of cards were awarded, worth more than $1,590.

To learn more about how Applebee’s gives back to local communities or to participate in these programs, visit www.tlcneighborhood.com.

In recognition of its community-based programs, Applebee’s Services Inc. presented T.L. Cannon with the 2013 “Neighbor of the Year” award, which is awarded annually to one franchise group out of approximately 40 in the nation for exemplary community service.

This is the third time in six years that T.L. Cannon received the coveted award.

Additionally, T.L. Can-non also earned the New York State Restaurant Association’s 2013 “Neighbor of the Year” award. This is the eighth year that the franchisee earned the award for outstanding service in communities throughout New York state.

“Receiving the ‘Neighbor of the Year’ award is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team at T.L. Cannon,” said Matt Fairbairn, CEO, T.L. Cannon Companies. “We are committed to giving back to the people and organizations that call our neighborhoods home and look forward to continuing to do so.”

To learn more about how Applebee’s restaurants in New York and Connecticut support and give back to local communities or participate in these programs, visit www.tlcneighborhood.com.