Golden Corral restaurants across the country aim to raise $275,000 for Project Healing Waters, supporting therapeutic outdoor recreation programs that help Veterans and active military personnel find connection, purpose, and healing through fly fishing
Raleigh, NC (RestaurantNews.com) Golden Corral® is building on its commitment to military communities through its second annual fundraising campaign benefiting Project Healing Waters (PHW), a leading nonprofit that uses fly fishing and outdoor recreation as a therapeutic intervention for Veterans and active-duty military personnel. Running through August 23, 2026, the nationwide initiative aims to help expand access to PHW’s life-changing programs for our military heroes.
The campaign builds on the success of last year’s inaugural fundraiser, which helped cover the core program costs for over 400 PHW participants. Together, Golden Corral and Project Healing Waters are working to ensure more service members and Veterans have access to programs that foster resilience, strengthen relationships, and rediscover purpose through meaningful experiences in nature.
“Many of the people who walk through our doors have served our country, or love someone who has,” said Lance Trenary, CEO and president of Golden Corral. “Over the years, we’ve supported military families, active-duty service members, and Veterans through several annual initiatives because their journeys do not always end when their service ends. Project Healing Waters addresses a different part of that story by helping people reconnect with themselves and others in ways that can have a lasting impact. When guests round up at the register, they are helping create moments of healing that reach far beyond the plate.”
Golden Corral’s support of PHW extends well beyond the annual fundraiser. For more than a decade, brand leadership and supporters have contributed through sponsorship of national ambassador events, including the Mossy Creek Invitational and the recent Daytona and Bristol outings, as well as through personal involvement in philanthropic efforts.
Established in 2005 by CAPT Ed Nicholson, U.S. Navy (Ret.), at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Project Healing Waters uses the restorative power of the outdoors to support Veterans and active military members through a structured curriculum that includes fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying, rod building, and guided outings. Through no-cost programs offered across 45 states and 158 chapters nationwide, participants gain access to experiences that foster camaraderie, community, and personal growth.
8,800 participants benefit from these programs each year, supported by 3,654 active volunteers nationwide. Since 2012, the organization has served 69,443 Veterans.
“What begins with a fly rod often becomes something much larger,” said Jim Knowlton, CEO of Project Healing Waters. “We see Veterans arrive unsure of what they are looking for and leave with friendships, confidence, and a renewed sense of belonging. Healing often starts with small moments shared outdoors, and Golden Corral is helping us ensure that more people can experience those moments and continue their journey surrounded by a supportive and caring community.”
The partnership further strengthens Golden Corral’s longstanding support of military communities. Through initiatives benefiting DAV, Camp Corral, and now Project Healing Waters, the brand continues to create meaningful opportunities to serve military members, Veterans, and their families.
Guests can participate in two ways throughout the campaign. Diners visiting any Golden Corral location can round up their purchase at the register or make additional contributions by scanning QR codes displayed in-restaurant or by visiting the online donation page HERE.
Find a nearby Golden Corral at GoldenCorral.com/locations. To learn more about the military support programs and volunteer opportunities, visit ProjectHealingWaters.org.
About Golden Corral
Founded in 1973 and based in Raleigh, N.C., Golden Corral is the nation’s largest grill-buffet restaurant chain. Golden Corral strives to make pleasurable dining affordable for all families. Golden Corral restaurants are 99% locally owned and operated by independent franchisees. While its commitment begins each day with preparing delicious food, Golden Corral also believes in providing outstanding hospitality and giving back. Service to others is a hallmark of the Golden Corral brand. In 2023, Golden Corral was recognized as one of the nation’s top 50 “Most Loved Brands” by Yelp. They were also recognized for valuing their customers and providing excellent customer service by Newsweek, “America’s Best Customer Service 2024.” In addition, Golden Corral has received multiple workplace awards in recognition of their deep-rooted culture. Golden Corral restaurants nationwide have long been strong supporters of the U.S. Military and DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and have more recently partnered with Project Healing Waters, an organization that helps active military service personnel and veterans in need through a dedicated, developed curriculum of fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying, and fly rod building. Golden Corral is also the founding sponsor of Camp Corral, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation, which provides free, one-of-a-kind summer camp experiences for children of wounded, injured, ill or fallen service members. For more information, visit GoldenCorral.com and follow Golden Corral on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
About Project Healing Waters
Founded in 2005 by CAPT Ed Nicholson, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Project Healing Waters is a national nonprofit dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of Veterans and active military through the therapeutic act of fly fishing. What began at Walter Reed Army Medical Center has grown into nearly 170 programs across 45 states, serving more than 7,500 Veterans annually at no cost to participants. Through fly tying, rod building, casting instruction and time on the water, Project Healing Waters fosters community, resilience and purpose for those who have served. Backed by over 3,600 volunteers, the organization has helped more than 68,000 Veterans since 2012. To learn more or support Project Healing Waters, visit ProjectHealingWaters.org.
Contact:
Alex Frye
Champion
214-641-0746
[email protected]
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