During a three-week period, Arby’s restaurants across the nation raised over $2.6 million during the first half of its annual restaurant fundraiser. The funds will be used to help kids across the country build, expand and pursue their dreams.

The fundraiser benefits several organizations, including Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry initiative, which works tirelessly to feed the millions of children who live in food insecure homes in the United States.

To encourage restaurants in their fundraising efforts, the Arby’s Foundation introduced the “Make a Difference Madness” program, a fun tournament bracket that challenged Arby’s Operations team to drive donations in order to win a $10,000 grant for the charity of their choice. Arby’s Area Supervisor Melissa Howard took home the top prize, contributing her grant to CrossBridge, Inc. and Emerald Youth, two Tennessee-based organizations working to improve the lives of urban youth and raise effective community leaders.

Since 2011, Arby’s has contributed nearly $30 million to hunger relief organizations in all 50 states. The second-half of the National Restaurant Fundraiser will take place in September.

“I am so inspired by the dedication of our restaurant teams and their commitment to the fundraiser. Because of them, we are able to invest in national and local organizations that are changing the future for kids in America.” Stuart Brown, Executive Director, Arby’s Foundation