Mimi's Cafe Lifts Spirits For Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

IRVINE, Calif., July 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mimi's Cafe® is celebrating the "lift off" of "Mimi's for Miracles," a month-long national awareness and fundraising campaign benefitting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.  And Friday, July 6, on Mimi's Muffins for Miracles Day, guests can enjoy a FREE Strawberry Shortcake muffin, Mimi's newest creation, with a donation and any purchase at Mimi's Cafe restaurants.

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"Mimi's has a longstanding relationship with Children's Hospital of Orange County," explains Mark Mears, President and Chief Concept Officer of Mimi's Cafe. "Our Mimi's for Miracles campaign is especially meaningful as we extend our partnership with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, allowing us to help more kids in 45 additional CMN Hospitals around our restaurants across the country."

Through July 31, Mimi's Cafe restaurants are inviting guests to lend support by donating to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. With a $1 donation guests will receive a Miracle Balloon paper icon to display in the restaurant, and with a $5 donation guests will also receive a balloon lapel pin. All proceeds will be donated to local CMN Hospitals. As a token of thanks, Mimi's is providing up to $30 in coupon savings for those making donations. Kids can do their part by creating a Mimi's for Miracles coloring sheet with a get well message that will be displayed in CMN Hospitals.

Mimi's is also rallying for this important cause on its social networks. Guests can snap a photo flying high with Mimi's Miracle Balloon in-restaurant display and tag #Mimis4Miracles and upload to Instagram or MimisCafe.com to have it featured on Mimi's Facebook page and website.

Mimi's kicked off the campaign Friday, June 29, at a special gathering at the Great Park Balloon.  The giant tethered helium balloon, the first of its kind in the U.S., symbolizes Mimi's efforts to lift spirits and help make children's lives happier and healthier.  Mr. Mears said, "We couldn't imagine a more fitting backdrop than our home base in Southern California, with our partners at CHOC and Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, our teammates and the Miracle Families, to spark this inspirational campaign, 'Mimi's for Miracles – Lifting spirits one balloon at a time.'"

The funds raised from this campaign will help create miracles by funding medical care, research and education that saves and improves the lives of 17 million children treated at Children's Miracle Network Hospitals each year.

"Mimi's Cafe represents excellent food, and our Miracle Balloon represents excellence in child-health services at our member hospitals. What a perfect combination!" said John Schneider, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals co-founder. "By hosting this campaign at their restaurants, Mimi's is exemplifying our original mission to save as many children's lives as possible, and doing so by raising funds locally."

Mr. Schneider, the actor and singer, star of "Dukes of Hazzard," "Smallville," "Nip Tuck," and "90210," co-founded Children's Miracle Network Hospitals with the Osmond family in 1983. His ideas helped create the charity that has now raised $4.2 billion for children's hospitals.

About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals raises funds for 170 top and nonprofit children's hospitals across the United States and Canada, which, in turn, use the money where it's needed the most. When a donation is given it stays in the community, helping local kids. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment, and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of the mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at www.CMNHospitals.org.

ABOUT MIMI'S CAFE

Mimi's Cafe, a French-inspired casual dining restaurant, has 145 locations in 24 states. Mimi's Cafe is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bob Evans Farms, Inc., a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: BOBE), known and loved for its delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, friendly service and charming, stylish decor.

SOURCE Mimi's Cafe