During the first half of its annual fundraiser, Arby’s restaurants raised more than $2.9 million in four weeks to complete the Spring Make a Difference Campaign.

These funds will go directly to supporting the Arby’s Foundation’s mission of ensuring all children can pursue their dreams with confidence.

Fifty percent of funds raised will enable the Foundation to support youth leadership through 3DE powered by Junior Achievement, career readiness initiatives through Big Brothers, Big Sisters and ending childhood hunger through No Kid Hungry. The other half of all funds raised will be reinvested to local chapters of the Arby’s Foundation’s three national partners and other youth-serving organizations.

“I believe everyone within our company has been either directly or indirectly impacted by hunger issues at one time in their lives. Our hope is to do whatever we can to minimize that for others in the future,” said Tom Browne, President and CEO of Arby’s franchisee group Heartland Beef, one of the fundraising leaders during the Spring Make a Difference campaign.

“We are also committed, like the Foundation, to investing in the development of our youth by providing opportunities and resources through our local Boys and Girls Clubs and the Franklin Initiative, which emphasizes the importance and impact of education.”

The second round of in-restaurant fundraising will take place this fall, supporting the Arby’s Foundation’s national non-profit partners, along with local community organizations.