Outback Steakhouse Presents $1 Million Donation in Support of the U.S. Troops Through Operation Homefront

Successful Thanks For Giving Program Generates Groundswell Support for U.S. Troops

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Jun 24, 2010, 06:02 ET

TAMPA, Fla., June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Outback Steakhouse concluded its Thanks for Giving program today with a presentation of a $1 million donation to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization providing everyday and emergency support for active troops, veterans and their families. The check was presented by OSI Restaurant Partners CEO Liz Smith and Outback Steakhouse President Jeff Smith to Jim Knotts, President/CEO and Amy Palmer, COO of Operation Homefront.

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Today's event began with the Presentation of the Colors by The Joint Communications Support Element (JCSE) Color Guard, MacDill Air Force Base, in the front of the original Outback Steakhouse, established in 1988 in Tampa, Florida. United States dignitaries on hand included Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin L. Hill, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ron Pflieger, retired Army Maj. Gen. Richard Griffitts, and retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Arthur “Chip” Diehl III.

The Thanks for Giving program was launched in March when diners where invited to assist Outback in its efforts to support the troops by ordering from a special Red, White and Bloomin' menu.

The company-wide initiative garnered national attention, including the endorsement of country music legend and fellow military supporter, Tim McGraw; retired Army Gen. Tommy Franks, U.S. Central Command Commander; and retired Army Brig. Gen. John Howard.

"The sacrifices that our troops and their families make so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have in the United States is something Outback employees have recognized and appreciated since we opened our doors 22 years ago," said Liz Smith. "As we express our sincere appreciation to those serving our country, we would also like to thank the countless Americans who rallied behind our Thanks for Giving program."

Today's donation to Operation Homefront is the most recent in a long history of Outback's support of the troops. In June 2002, OSI launched Operation Feeding Freedom, sending a team of 15 Outbackers to Afghanistan to feed American troops stationed there. Since that trip, over 100 members of the OSI team have made another six trips serving troops in Djibouti, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and aboard the USS Nimitz in Bahrain. Overall, 137,000 troops have been served at numerous bases and forward command locations.

"Our troops, veterans and their families need support now more than ever," Knotts said. "Outback's generous donation will help these dedicated individuals and wounded warriors carry on with life's essential needs as well as emergency situations."

For more information about Outback Steakhouse and its commitments to the troops, please visit Outback.com, join the brand's Facebook page or follow on Twitter via @outbacktonight.

About Outback Steakhouse

Outback Steakhouse has been an innovator in casual dining for 22 years. During that time, it has perfected the art of serving great-tasting steaks. Outback was voted #1 Best Steak in the 2009 Zagat Survey of National Full-Service Restaurant Chains. Outback is not only known for the "Best Steak" award, but also serves fresh, "made from scratch" appetizers, salads, entrees, sides and desserts that use only the highest-quality ingredients available. Outback's menu of new choices, classic favorites and "down under prices," offers something for everyone. Outback promises delicious, affordable food, spirited service, and an energetic atmosphere that will make casual nights out the most enjoyable available. Please visit www.Outback.com for more information.

About Operation Homefront

Operation Homefront provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors. A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers across 23 chapters and has met more than 267,000 needs since 2002. A four-star rated charity by watchdog Charity Navigator, nationally, $.95 of total revenue donated to Operation Homefront goes to programs. For more information about Operation Homefront, please visit some of our useful links below: