BEAUFORT, SC – September 10, 2011 – Applebee’s of Beaufort hosted its annual “Riding 4 Wishes” event on Saturday, September 10, benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of South Carolina. The 103 motorcycles participating in the event helped raise over $2,200 for two girls, Kierra, 11, and Chloe, 5.

Kierra is diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease and wishes to go to Walt Disney World® Resort because it is somethRiding for Wishes participates and Kierraing that all her family can enjoy. Kierra attended the “Riding 4 Wishes” event, and she even went on a motorcycle ride with the president of the No Strings Attached Motorcycle Club. Even though Kierra was nervous at first, she loved every minute of it and begged to go on another ride. After, Kierra and her family were treated to a dinner at the restaurant and the club presented Kierra with a signed motorcycle helmet.

Chloe is diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease and tuberous sclerosis. Chloe was not able to attend the event, but her wish was to also go to Walt Disney World® Resort and meet Tinkerbelle.

Both Kierra and Chloe’s wishes will be granted because of the hard work and support of Apple-J and the Beaufort Applebee’s store.

In 2002, Apple-J partnered with Make-A-Wish Foundation because of its unique mission to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. That same year, Apple-J held its first fundraiser for Make-A-Wish, raising $26,000. Over the past 9 years, Apple-J has collectively raised over $1 million and granted 150 South Carolina wishes, making them the largest donor for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Carolina. Kicking off their 2011 campaign, the South Carolina franchise of 32 stores raised $176,000 in just 6 weeks and will continue to raise more funds through events such as “Riding 4 Wishes.”

About Make-A-Wish Foundation: The Make-A-Wish Foundation® grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Carolina grants over 130 wishes each year for South Carolina children. The average cost of a wish is $6,500 and 87% of every dollar raised goes toward wish granting. Make-A-Wish is completely funded from private donations.  Most support comes from individuals, companies, and special events such as golf tournaments and auctions. To learn more, please visit www.sc.wish.org.