Culver's® Gives Back To Local Communities During 16-State "Day of Giving" Fund-Raiser for the American Red Cross®

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Local American Red Cross Chapters Benefit From 10-Percent of Sales Donation Happening in Culver's More Than 360 Restaurants

August 30, 2007 // Franchising.com // Prairie du Sac, Wis. – In conjunction with National Preparedness Month, Culver's® restaurants in 16 states are donating 10 percent of sales on Wednesday, Sept. 12 to participating American Red Cross® chapters during a system-wide 'Day of Giving' fund-raising event. In addition, guests will be able to give personal donations in canisters available at each location. Culver's estimates the one-day event will raise more than $150,000 for local chapters.

Culver's and the American Red Cross decided to hold the event during National Preparedness Month to remind guests about the importance of being prepared for an emergency and all that the Red Cross does to aid the community during a local emergency or disaster. For example, the most common emergencies that Red Cross staff and volunteers respond to are home fires, which destroy or damage nearly 400,000 homes each year.* Fortunately, in emergencies like these, the American Red Cross comes to the aid of neighbors in thousands of communities across the country offering shelter, clothing and other supplies to those in crisis.

"Culver's and our franchise partners are proud to be holding this event for the American Red Cross to support the emergency preparedness and disaster relief efforts they undertake every day right in our very own neighborhoods," explains Lea Culver, Culver's co-founder and a Red Cross volunteer. "After a fire, tornado or other emergency, the Red Cross can always be counted on to help get our neighbors back on their feet. Giving to our neighbors in need is a core value for our locally owned and operated restaurants, so we expect our Day of Giving will help make certain these essential services continue."

"Ensuring the availability of these services in every community takes the time and financial commitment of both individuals and businesses," said Roger Dahl, Service Area Executive, Midwest Service Area, for the American Red Cross. "Through the generosity and efforts of Culver's and its guests, our local chapters can continue to offer comfort and emergency assistance to those in crisis. We thank Culver's for their leadership in organizing the 'Day of Giving', which will benefit individuals and families during their hardest hours."

Red Cross emergency preparedness and disaster relief efforts focus on meeting the needs of individuals and families in local communities. When a disaster threatens or strikes, the Red Cross provides shelter, food and health and mental services which address basic human needs. In addition, the Red Cross helps individuals and families to resume their normal daily activities independently.

National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and schools. Throughout September, local communities are being encouraged to focus on the importance of emergency preparedness and to take the necessary steps to get ready. Simple steps such as preparing an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, and being informed about local threats to the community are precautions everyone should take. Culver's restaurants are independently owned and operated in more than 360 locations in 16 states. With new restaurants opening by 2008 in Arizona, and plans to expand into Arkansas and Tennessee, guests will be able to enjoy their Culver's favorites in 19 states across the nation. The owner/operator concept has been a cornerstone of growth for Culver's since the first location opened in Sauk City, Wis., on July 18, 1984. Culver's invests deeply in partnerships and programs, including its VIP scholarship program, Culver's Cares™ charitable program and countless other franchise-driven local efforts. The American Red Cross became a partner in 2007 and since then a number of local, regional and system-wide programs raised funds and awareness for their efforts. Culver's is the recipient of numerous awards, including top honors in the 2007 Restaurants & Institutions® Consumers' Choice in Chains burger category, IFMA Silver Plate Award and a coveted "Best In Category – Food" rating, placing Culver's among the Top 50 of more than 300 franchise opportunities nationwide as reviewed by Franchise Business Review.

For more information on Culver's locations, franchise opportunities, promotional programs, menu selections and other areas of interest, visit www.culvers.com.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work. For more information on Red Cross programs and services, visit www.redcross.org