Come to Maggiano's Little Italy(R) to 'Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish(R)'

By: Maggiano's Little Italy | 0 Shares 95 Reads

DALLAS, May 1, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- Starting today, Maggiano's Little Italy restaurants nationwide are offering select menu items to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation(R), a non-profit organization that makes dreams come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions. Now through May 28, Maggiano's guests can support the efforts of the Make-A-Wish Foundation in various ways.

Chefs at the Italian-American restaurant have developed decadent menu selections for the "Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish" program. Diners can choose from four palate-pleasing items including:

Shrimp Scampi-- marinated shrimp sauteed with roasted garlic,
tomatoes, with fresh basil tossed in a white wine lemon butter sauce,
and served with warm garlic bread.
Spinach Gnocchi with Herb Chicken -- Italian spinach and potato
dumplings sauteed with herb chicken, zucchini, squash, tomatoes,
served in a light lemon basil cream sauce.
Lemon Pepper Halibut -- Fresh Halibut seared with lemon, pepper, and
parsley, served with mashed potatoes, oven roasted garlic and
broccolini(R).
Fresh Berry Tiramisu -- Prepared with ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese,
and features fresh blueberries, blackberries and strawberries.

For each of these menu items ordered, Maggiano's will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Restaurant patrons may also contribute to the Make-A-Wish Foundation's cause by purchasing Maggiano's gift cards. For every $25 sold, Maggiano's will contribute $1 to the Foundation. Additionally, guests may donate through the brand's "Become a Star" program. Participating guests will have a star cut-out with their name displayed inside the restaurant during the four-week promotion.

"Thanks to the generosity of our guests and devoted teammates, last year we were able to donate more than $180,000 to our friends at the Make-A-Wish Foundation," said Wyman Roberts, president of Maggiano's Little Italy. "It is our hope that this year's Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish will reach even greater heights to provide to families in need."

"The Eat-A-Dish for Make-A-Wish promotion has been such a great success since it started, " said David Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer. "It's given Maggiano's diners a convenient way to donate, and it's helped each of them become more familiar with the incredible wishes we grant. I truly appreciate having a partner like Maggiano's that does so much to help us accomplish our wish-granting mission."

This marks the fifth year Maggiano's has collaborated with the Make-A-Wish Foundation on these special promotion offerings. Maggiano's ongoing relationship with the Make-A-Wish Foundation helps enrich the lives of seriously ill children and their families.

About Maggiano's Little Italy

Maggiano's Little Italy specializes in Italian-American cuisine served in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Maggiano's menu features both classic and contemporary recipes -- authentic pastas, signature salads, prime steaks, fresh seafood, regular chef specials and specialty desserts. Maggiano's 42 locations nationwide offer lunch or dinner, carryout service and banquet spaces for special occasions. Maggiano's is one of four restaurants in the portfolio of Dallas-based Brinker International (NYSE: EAT), a recognized leader in casual dining. Other Brinker restaurant brands include Chili's Grill & Bar(R), Romano's Macaroni Grill(R) and On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina(R). For more information, visit http://www.maggianos.com.

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation(R)

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Born in 1980 when a group of caring individuals helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 69 chapters in the U.S. and its territories. With the help of generous donors and nearly 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants more than 12,600 wishes a year and has granted more than 148,000 wishes in the U.S. since inception. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit http://www.wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish(R).

SOURCE Maggiano's Little Italy

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