Monroe Applebee's Memorabilia Raises Funds for Gentle Hope

The recently remodeled Applebee's in Monroe raised funds for the Gentle Hope foundation through the sale of its sports memorabilia and decor. According to Carrie Whitney with Launch Atlanta, all of the money raised went to the Clendenins, a family whose son Michael has Mitochondrial Disease. At the grand reopening on Nov. 6 of the remodeled Applebee's, a check for $2,315 was presented to the Clendenin family through the charity, Gentle Hope.

Gentle HOPE, a Georgia nonprofit organization helps families find hope in the midst of medical hardships.

"Today was truly overwhelming," said Jenny Gentle Benson on receiving the check for the Clendens. "I am so thankful that my friends at Applebee's believe in me and support my beliefs."

Since inception in June 2012, Gentle HOPE has assisted recipients in various ways including paying for a ground-breaking stem cell transplant for a local gentleman fighting ALS. According to Whitney, Gentle HOPE is currently working on behalf of two "adopted" families to purchase a handicap van for one and assist with the astronomical expenses related to a kidney transplant for the other.  At the heart of the organization is the ongoing project, "Buckets of LOVE." The buckets are filled with anything that would make a child smile and are delivered to terminally ill children. Gentle HOPE depends 100 percent on donations of supporters wanting to make a difference for a family in crisis. For more information on the foundation and/or to show your support through time or money, please call Jenny Gentle Benson at 678-977-2352.

About Monroe Applebee's

The Monroe Applebee’s has just completed a remodel of its 145 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. location, revealing a new, contemporary look to its interior and exterior, service enhancements and features unique to Monroe on Nov. 6, 2012. Prior to the remodel, guests had the opportunity to purchase the cool sports and entertainment memorabilia that decorated the Applebee’s walls. One hundred percent of the funds raised from the memorabilia sale benefitted Gentle Hope, a local non-profit organization, founded and spearheaded by Jenny Gentle-Benson, that assists families facing medical hardships. The new and improved Applebee's features murals depicting George Walton Academy, Monroe Area, Social Circle, Loganville and Walnut Grove high schools. Additional enhancements include new, larger High Definition flat-screen TVs. This fall, locals will love flocking to the Monroe Applebee’s for the NFL Sunday Ticket on DIRECTV®, making every pro game accessible throughout the season. The restaurant also features a completely revamped inside and outside.

Contributed by Carrie Whitney of Launch Atlanta