Carryout for a Cause Events
View Info Sheet- How are donations tracked?
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For our Carryout for a Cause events, donations are tracked by your supporters using code DOINGOOD at checkout. This is important-- please make sure your supporters do not miss this step.
With that said, this is why orders must be placed on www.applebees.com or the mobile app. They cannot be called in, or used on third-party ordering apps/websites, and are not valid on dine-in orders. This is a takeout only fundraiser.
*It is not our responsibility if takeout orders are submitted without the code imputed-- those checks will not be counted.
- I need to change my date, how do I do that?
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Use this site, as if you are submitting a new request:
Get started --> Carryout for a Cause --> Skip to Step #2 “Choose Your Location-->Go down to Step #3 and use the “Preferred Date” section to pull-up the calendar.
Use that calendar to find dates that will work—one primary and two (2) back-up dates. You do not need to (and should not) submit a new request, you are only using the calendar as an aid to see open dates.
Once you find your dates. Go back in your dashboard and there is a “request a change” spot. Fill in the message field with the dates (one primary, and two back-ups) requested and submit. Your request will be handled in 1-3 business days.
- I submitted my request several days ago and haven't heard back, what should I do?
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All requests are typically handled within 2-3 business days, sometimes slightly more. You can login to your account at any time to check the status—approved events will be listed as "Upcoming" and your materials will be there for your use.
- I noticed I am supposed to confirm my event the week before my scheduled date, and provide an approximate number of expected orders-how would I know this number?
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We suggest setting something like a Facebook event up, where your supporters can confirm online if they plan on attending. This allows our kitchen to be properly prepared for the volume expected.
- Can supporters choose to dine-in, rather than carryout, if they would like?
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Our Carryout for a Cause event is strictly reserved for carryout orders, ordered online at applebees.com or via our mobile app—for pick-up only. If you’d prefer to host a dine-in event, you must choose our Dining to Donate program.
- Can Supporters Place Their Order Ahead of Time?
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Not only CAN orders be placed up to two weeks in advance online or via our mobile app, we highly ENCOURAGE it!
This helps our teams to be prepared for the volume your event plans to bring in and also, helps to ensure your supporters don't forget-- a real Win-Win! Just remember, the orders must be scheduled/placed for the date of your event.
- How often can I host an event?
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Non-profits may host a Carryout for a Cause event on a single-day, up to once per month
- Can Supporters Call-in Their Orders?
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At this time, our system only allows for orders to be submitted through the website or app, using code "DOINGOOD." Unfortunately, we cannot accurately track call-in orders at this time.
- May Supporters Order Through a Third-Party App?
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For this fundraiser, supporters may only order their Applebee's takeout directly through the Applebee's website or app, using code "DOINGOOD." This is the only way we are able to track your supporter's orders.
Dining To Donate Events
View Info Sheet- I need to make changes to my event/materials, what do I do?
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Organization name, contact information, etc. can be changed by logging-in to your account and editing your profile.
These changes will automatically update your event page, but your tickets/flyers will still need to be updated on our end. So, once you save the changes to your profile, please submit a "Change Request" (in the middle of your dashboard). In the message field, type: "I have made edits to my profile, please update tickets/flyers."
All other changes (date, ticket price, etc.) can be done by submitting the same change request, with your requests typed in the message field. i.e. "Please update tickets to $8"
*Please see below FAQs for additional date change information*
Change requests are typically handled within 1-4 business days.
- I haven't heard back regarding my request, what do I do?
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All requests are handled within 2-3 business days. While an email will be sent, sometimes, these messages get sent to SPAM, blocked altogether or simply missed. SEE BELOW
With that said, you can login to your account at any time, to view the status of your event (making the emails obsolete). Requests that are not yet handled will be listed as “Pending,” approved events will be listed as “Upcoming Events” and your materials will be there for your use.
Events not listed were either a. not successfully submitted or b. denied for one reason or another
Please contact Kaitlyn Piazza directly, with any questions regarding your request: kpiazza@tlcannon.com
- I need to change the date of my Dining to Donate, how do I check availability?
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Use this site, as if you are submitting a new request:
Get started --> Dining To Donate --> Skip to Step #2 “Choose Your Location-->Go down to Step #3 and use the “Preferred Date” section to pull-up the calendar.
Use that calendar to find dates that will work—one primary and two (2) back-up dates. You do not need to (and should not) submit a new request, you are only using the calendar as an aid to see open dates.
Once you find your dates. Go back in your dashboard and there is a “request a change” spot. Fill in the message field with the dates (one primary, and two back-ups) requested and submit. Your request will be handled in 1-3 business days.
- Can our guests present vouchers for takeout orders?
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Yes, your guests can either dine-in or takeout (including Carside To Go), and have 10% of their bill go back to your organization.
As always, just make sure your guest turns-in their voucher, upon picking-up their food.
- During What Hours Does My Event Run?
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Dining to Donate events run all day. Your supporters can join us for lunch, dinner, late night and everywhere in between!
- How Do I Receive My Funds Raised/Find Out the Results?
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Your local Applebee's restaurant will tally-up the checks at the close of business, the night of your event. They will then send the results to our Buffalo office, where our Marketing Manager will verify the checks/results.
Once verified, our Marketing Manager will send a check request to our accounting office, based out of Jacksonville, FL. Checks will be processed there and sent out to the address listed upon signing-up, to the organization, with the attention of the contact person.
Please allow (around) 30 days to receive your check. If you have any questions and/or you have not received your check after 30-40 days, please email Kaitlyn Piazza directly: kpiazza@tlcannon.com.
We do not have a procedure to confirm amounts raised. Typically, organizations will find-out the amount raised, when they receive their check. However, if you would like to find out your results beforehand, please email Kaitlyn (see above).
- Can my guests show an electronic copy of the voucher, instead of printing it?
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Yes, per our NEW policy, guests can show an electronic copy on their phone/device. The restaurants will be stocked with their own supply of vouchers. If a guest chooses to go this route, they should ensure the server goes and grabs a voucher to staple to their receipt.
- My guest forgot to turn-in their voucher or show an electronic copy, can their check still be counted towards the 10% donation to us?
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No, unfortunately without proof that this guest came to support your event (at the time they are dining & before they leave), we cannot count their check. No exceptions will be made.
- I saw on the Program Overview that there should be a representative from our organization present at our Applebee’s location during prime hours of our event, is this mandatory?
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No, this is not mandatory. HOWEVER, it is HIGHLY recommended. With a representative present when you are to expect most of your guests, they can ensure that your supporters know to turn-in their vouchers. In addition, it shows your supporters that your organization is willing to put-in the work & earn their donation/support. Having representative there MAXIMIZES your donation outcome.
- Can I hand-out vouchers to other guests in your restaurant at the time of our event?
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NO, vouchers are NOT to be handed-out on Applebee’s premises. All vouchers, electronic or hard-copy, MUST be in guest’s hands before they enter the Applebee’s parking lot. We will not tolerate soliciting other guests. Management reserves the right to end your event, without any donation made, if these restrictions are broken.
Flapjack Fundraiser Events
View Info Sheet- I haven't heard back since I submitted my request-what do I do?
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All requests are handled within 2-3 business days. While an email will be sent, sometimes, these messages get sent to SPAM, blocked altogether or simply missed. SEE BELOW
With that said, you can login to your account at any time, to view the status of your event (making the emails obsolete). Requests that are not yet handled will be listed as “Pending,” approved events will be listed as “Approved Events” and your materials will be there for your use.
Events not listed were either a. not successfully submitted or b. denied for one reason or another
**Please note that it is your responsibility to know whether your event was approved or not. Not knowing you were approved is not a cause for voiding the $100 fee for late cancellations.
Please contact Kaitlyn Piazza directly, with any questions regarding your request: kpiazza@tlcannon.com
- Is there a procedure to confirm my event?
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Yes, please call your Applebee's directly no later than the Tuesday before your event. You may ask to speak with whoever is managing at the time and let them know approximately how many tickets have been sold/ how many people they should expect.
If our management team does not hear from you by Tuesday, they will attempt to contact you by that Thursday-- if they cannot reach you, they will assume you wish to cancel your event.
- Where do I receive my materials?
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Your tickets and flyers will be generated upon approval and are downloadable right from your dashboard, upon logging-in. They will be listed next to your approved event.
- How Do I Make Changes to My Event and/or Materials?
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Organization name, contact information, etc. can be changed by logging-in to your account and editing your profile.
These changes will automatically update your event page, but your tickets/flyers will still need to be updated on our end. So, once you save the changes to your profile, please submit a "Change Request" (in the middle of your dashboard). In the message field, type: "I have made edits to my profile, please update tickets/flyers."
NOTE: changes to email addresses are for communication purposes ONLY. You are NOT able to change the username for your account-- that will always remain the email address initially used when the account was made.
All other changes (date, ticket price, etc.) can be done by submitting the same change request, with your requests typed in the message field. i.e. "Please update tickets to $8"
*Please see below FAQs for additional date change information*
Change requests are typically handled within 1-4 business days.
- What if I need to cancel my event or change the date of the event?
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Please log in to your account and fill out the Change/Cancellation request on your dashboard. You will receive a response within 1-3 business days.
*You can cancel OR request a change of date within 30+ days of your event, without penalty. If you need to cancel or change the date less than 30 days in advance of your date, you are subject to our $100 late cancellation fee.
For date changes please see below FAQ: "I need to change my date-- how do I check availability?,”
- I need to change my date-- how do I check availability?
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Use this site, as if you are submitting a new request:
Get started --> Flapjack Fundraisers --> Skip to Step #2 “Choose Your Location-->Go down to Step #3 and use the “Preferred Date” section to pull-up the calendar.
Use that calendar to find dates that will work—one primary and two (2) back-up dates. You do not need to (and should not) submit a new request, you are only using the calendar as an aid to see open dates.
Once you find your dates. Go back in your dashboard and there is a “request a change” spot. Fill in the message field with the dates (one primary, and two back-ups) requested and submit. Your request will be handled in 1-3 business days.
- Are there gluten free pancakes?
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We do not currently offer gluten free pancakes or an additional gluten-free option.
- Is there a cancellation policy?
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We ask that you cancel OR reschedule your event ahead of time (30+ days), via your dashboard. Please login to your account and at the top, you will see a spot to request a change or cancellation. Update Type will be "cancel," in the message, please note the cancellation. You will receive a confirmation email of cancellation within 2-3 days. As long as your update request is submitted 30+ days in advance, you will not be charged the $100 fee.
Due to high demand and limited availability, as of January 1, 2018, our NEW cancellation/rescheduling policy has gone into place--cancelling, rescheduling, or a "no-show" less than 30 days in advance of your event will result in being charged the $100 minimum. Failure to pay may result in the inability for your organization to book future events.
Please note, rescheduling less than 30-days is still considered a cancellation, as that date is now no longer available to other organizations in need. With that said, rescheduling less than 30 days in advance will be subject to the $100 fee.
We want to make sure your event goes as planned, so if you need to cancel and reschedule, we are happy to make that happen--we just wish to have the 30-day lead time so other organizations may fill your spot!
*Cancellations must be made online, via the dashboard. Cancellations made via email or phone call are not considered confirmed cancellations. We have the dashboard there not only for ease, but for tracking and confirmation purposes.
- How much do we pay Applebee’s per ticket & how do we pay?
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Please be sure that the contact for your group arrives the day of the event prepared to pay by check that day. Upon completion of the breakfast you will be asked to write a check for $3.00 per attendee or minimum of $100 and give it to the restaurant manager before you leave. Management counts plates distributed and then compares with your group on tickets received that morning, to determine how much you owe.
Cash/Card is not accepted. Payment must be by check only.
- How many volunteers do I need?
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Guidelines as follows:
# of Tickets Sold
Volunteers Needed
Greeters
Seaters
Pancake Servers
Beverage Servers
Bussers
25-50
2
2
5
3
2
51-100
2
2
5
3
2
101-150
2
3
7
4
3
151-200
2
3
7
4
3
201-250
3
4
7
5
3
- What is the time frame for the volunteers?
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We ask that volunteers arrive at 7:30 AM to meet with the restaurant manager and adequately prepare for their respective positions. The breakfast runs from 8:00 AM until 10:00 AM. Once the breakfast has ended the volunteers will be asked to help clean up so that the employees can prepare the restaurant to open for business as usual at 11:00 AM.
- Are there a minimum and maximum number of tickets to sell?
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At a minimum, you will be charged $100 for your breakfast -OR- $3/attendee, whichever is greater. For example, if your breakfast has 130 attendees, you will be charged $390 ($3.00 per attendee), but if your breakfast has 33 attendees (or less) you will now be charged the minimum of $100. This is instituted to better offset the costs associated with preparing for these events.
The maximum number of tickets that can be sold for each event is 250-- we are not responsible for your group overselling. Given the time frame, we cannot accommodate more than 250 guests/breakfasts; this includes volunteers/ members of your organization who plan on eating.
- Do my volunteers have to buy tickets?
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Your organization owes Applebee’s $3.00 per attendee/plate served regardless of your ticket price. If you choose not to charge your volunteers to eat at the event, you will still owe Applebee’s $3.00 for each of their breakfasts, should they eat.
- I would like to have a “child’s price” for attendees under a certain age. Can I have tickets with varying prices?
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Your organization owes Applebee’s $3.00 per attendee regardless of your ticket price. While we recommend charging $6-10 per ticket, it is your decision what to charge above/below that amount. If you charge $6 your group will make $3.00 profit on each ticket. If you determine you’d like to sell some tickets for $4 (for example), then you still owe Applebee’s the $3.00 per ticket but you will only make a $1.00 profit off each of those tickets.
**Please note, the tickets/flyers provided cannot list multiple prices. With that said the materials provided, are there for convenience. If your group wishes to add additional information, multiple prices, etc., your group may choose to create their own tickets and flyers.
- Can my group raise additional funds by holding a small auction or raffle at our breakfast?
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Certainly!
This is your event and it’s a great idea to try to raise additional funds while you have all your best supporters gathered in one location! If you plan to do a basket auction or similar event and/or idea to raise additional funds, please be sure to let the manager of your location know this information when you call prior to the event to give the estimated number of attendees.
This will ensure the management team is prepared for your extra events and that there is space for your baskets, etc.
Again, this is your event, with your guests-- going above the breakfast is highly recommended!
- What if I accidentally delete my event poster &/or tickets?
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Easy. You just need to log in to your account here. Your Poster & Ticket files are always there.
- Does Applebee’s allow walk-ins or must all tickets be pre-sold?
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We encourage you to treat this as a pre-sale event. It is important for the restaurant to have an estimate of how many attendees are expected so that they can staff and prepare food appropriately. That is why we ask the group contact to call the restaurant manager in the week prior to the event to give an estimated head count. With that said, if a few people show up at the door without having previously purchased tickets, we will of course do our best to accommodate them.
- The children in my group are under 16, can they still help as volunteers?
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There are some positions that younger children may volunteer for such as greeters, seaters and assisting with clean up. We ask that any volunteers performing more strenuous tasks (i.e. pouring hot coffee or carrying heavy dishes of food) be at least 16 years of age.
If all members of your organization are under 16, you will need adult volunteers (parents, etc.), to complete the other task listed above.
- What food and beverages are included for the price of my ticket?
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Each ticket entitles the bearer to three pancakes, two pieces of bacon and unlimited orange juice or coffee. A second portion may be requested, the second plate will include 2 additional pancakes and 1 slice of bacon. After that, an additional ticket will be charged for another $3. No alcohol can be served. No menu substitutions may be made.
- Why isn’t my nonprofit group eligible for this program?
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We strictly stick to the eligibility requirements set for the program which are schools (up through 12th grade), youth sports teams and youth service organizations. As it is with those limitations in place we receive many more requests than we are able to fulfill, so at this time we are unable to broaden our parameters to include additional groups. Groups who are ineligible for the Flapjack Fundraiser program are more than welcome to submit a request to hold a “Dining to Donate” event, which is a fundraising option open to all nonprofit organizations.
- What groups are eligible for these fundraisers?
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Only three types of groups are eligible for the Applebee's Flapjack Fundraiser program: schools (up through 12th grade), youth sports teams and scouting troops.