BUFFALO – T.L. Can-non Companies, the franchisee for 60 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants in upstate NY and Connecticut, celebrated a huge milestone as it raised $1 million for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Locally, Applebee’s rest-aurants in Western New York raised more than $214,000 for the organization, which includes Buf-falo, Williamsville, Ham-burg, Niagara Falls, Amherst, Lockport, James-town, Cheektowaga, Dun-kirk, Olean, Lancaster and West Seneca.

“We’ve been working toward this goal for years and are absolutely thrilled to have finally reached this significant milestone,” said Stephanie Griffin, director of marketing for T.L. Cannon Companies. “Every day, Make-A-Wish gives a child the opportunity to have one of his or her dreams come true. The fact that Applebee’s has had the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful gift is truly humbling.”

Since 2008, Applebee’s restaurants across upstate NY and Connecticut have supported Make-A Wish with fundraisers that have granted hundreds of wishes for children with life-threatening diseases.

The restaurant chain has done everything from sell Make-A-Wish star magnets to host “wish dinners,” decor auctions and a variety of other events.

“We can’t thank Applebee’s and its customers enough for their support and generosity,” said Mary Hazel, development manager, Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York. “It’s organizations like Apple-bee’s that make it possible for us to make wishes a reality for so many deserving children.”

In addition to reaching the $1 million milestone with Make-A-Wish, Applebee’s is launching its spring fundraiser to support the Foundation. Applebee’s restaurants throughout upstate New York and Connecticut are now selling Make-A-Wish wristbands for $2. All proceeds will directly benefit each local Make-A-Wish chapter.