Denny's Launches Nationwide Fundraiser for Pediatric Cancer Research
"
Denny’s Launches Nationwide Fundraising Campaign for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer
Denny's Media Team
Thu, 04/23/2026 - 09:48
America’s Diner invites guests to help bring hope to children and families facing pediatric cancerSPARTANBURG, S.C., April 23, 2026 – Denny’s has launched its Cookies for Kids’ Cancer (CFKC) annual fundraising campaign, continuing its 17-year commitment to helping advance research for safer, more effective pediatric cancer treatments. Now through June 23, guests at participating U.S. Denny’s locations can support the cause through a nationwide in‑restaurant fundraising campaign.Throughout the campaign, a portion of every Denny’s Kids Menu items sold in the U.S. will be donated to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Guests will also have the option to contribute through round up opportunities at checkout. Guests who donate $3, $5, $10 or more will receive a coupon book featuring exclusive deals, including a free stack of pancakes and buy one get one soft drinks.“For Denny’s, this partnership reflects what can happen when a brand, its franchisees and its guests come together around something that truly matters,” said Chris Bode, President & CEO, Denny’s. “This partnership is deeply personal to me. My family has experienced the heartbreak of pediatric cancer, which is why the mission of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer means so much. I am proud that Denny’s – together with our franchisees, restaurant teams and guests – continues to help turn everyday generosity into real support for children and families who need more hope.”Founded by Gretchen and Larry Witt after their son Liam was diagnosed with childhood cancer, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer was born from a simple but urgent truth: children need better treatment options, and pediatric cancer research remains underfunded. What began with a 96,000 cookie bake-a-thon grew into a national nonprofit focused on funding safer, more effective treatments for children.Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a national 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to raising funds to support innovative research for pediatric cancer, the leading disease‑related cause of death among children in the United States. The organization is known for its nimble, grassroots approach, working quickly to get funding into the hands of researchers who need it most.Denny’s learned about Cookies for Kids’ Cancer through Glenn and Tina Beattie, franchisees whose commitment to the cause inspired the brand’s engagement and national support across the system. In 2023, Denny’s recognized the Beatties with its inaugural Philanthropy Award.“For 17 years, Denny’s has stood with us, raising $2.5 million to fund new, improved and less toxic treatments,” said Gretchen Holt Witt, Co-Founder of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. “Every child facing cancer deserves better treatments and more hope. Denny’s longstanding support has helped turn simple acts of generosity into critical funding for pediatric cancer research.”“At Denny’s, we believe even ordinary moments can carry meaning. Through this partnership, guests have an opportunity to do more than enjoy a meal – they have an opportunity to help bring hope to children and families who need it most,” said Bode. Guests looking to support Cookies for Kids’ Cancer can head to their local Denny’s, as every visit helps. To learn more about Denny’s commitments or to find a nearby restaurant, visit Denny’s website.###About Denny's Corp.Denny's is a Spartanburg, S.C. - based family dining restaurant brand that has been welcoming guests to our booths for more than 70 years. Our guiding principle is simple: We love to feed people.Denny’s provides craveable meals at a meaningful value across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night. Whether it's at our brick-and-mortar locations, via Denny's on Demand (the first delivery platform in the family dining segment), or at The Meltdown, Banda Burrito, and The Burger Den, our three virtual restaurant concepts, Denny’s is ready to delight guests whenever and however they want to order. Our longstanding commitment to supporting our local communities in need is brought to life with our Mobile Relief Diner (that delivers hot meals to our neighbors during times of disaster), Denny's Hungry for Education™ scholarship program, our annual fundraiser with long-time-partner No Kid Hungry, and our new partnership supporting Cookies for Kids’ Cancer in their mission to fund research for new, improved and less toxic treatments for kids facing cancer. Denny's is one of the largest franchised full-service restaurant brands in the world, based on the number of restaurants. As of December 31, 2025, the Denny’s brand consisted of 1,438 global restaurants, 1,376 of which were franchised and licensed restaurants and 62 of which were company-operated. This includes 164 restaurants in Canada, Costa Rica, Curacao, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. To learn more about Denny's, please visit our brand website at www.dennys.com or the brand's social channels via Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn or YouTube.About Cookies for Kids’ Cancer Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research for new, improved and less toxic treatments for pediatric cancer—the #1 disease killer of children in the U.S. Inspired by the belief that everyone can make a difference, the organization mobilizes individuals, businesses, and communities to raise critical funding through grassroots events like bake sales, fitness challenges, and corporate campaigns. Since its founding, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has granted more than $25 million, supporting over 155 cutting-edge research projects and contributing to 60 new treatment options. Backed by a global network of 18,000+ passionate supporters, every dollar donated is tax-deductible and fuels hope for children fighting cancer.
Share On: Denny's Media Team"
Stanton HazMat Evacuation Lifted: City Releases Recovery Resources
"UPDATE: Wednesday, June 3: 5:45pm - The City has compiled a centralized list of recovery resources, updates and guidance for both residents and local businesses at StantonCA.gov/Info.
This page includes current information for residents and businesses impacted by the recent evacuation, including:
Resident FAQs
Business recovery resources
Insurance and documentation information
OC Community Resilience Fund intake and donation information
Environmental, cleanup, and air monitoring links
Video updates and partner agency resources
We will continue updating as additional verified information becomes available and as we coordinate with County, State, federal, and community partners.For the latest official incident information, including evacuation maps, address lookup, air quality updates, shelter information, and business resources, please visit the County of Orange incident page.
UPDATE: Tuesday, May 26: 7:30pm - Welcome Back, Stanton! Evacuation orders have been LIFTED for ALL Stanton Residents & Businesses as of 7:30pm. A small evacuation area remains directly around the incident site.
Please continue to follow the city for updates on resources for residents and businesses as we return to daily activities.
UPDATE: Tuesday, May 26: 2pm - Please find a list of resources and frequently asked questions below.How to Stay Up to Date with the Latest Incident Information
Subscribe to ALERT OC by going to this website to sign up or texting ALERTOC to 888-777.
Monitor City of Stanton Social Media Accounts and Website
Facebook: @CityofStantonCA
Instagram: @CityofStanton
City Website: www.StantonCA.gov
Monitor Orange County Fire Authority Social Media Accounts
The City of Stanton contracts with OCFA for fire protection. Obtain updates from:
Facebook: OCFireAuthority
Instagram: @ocfireauthority
X (formerly Twitter): @OCFireAuthority
Visit the County of Orange Incident Website
The County is providing updates at https://ocgov.com/page/garden-grove-chemical-spill-incident
Who can I contact with questions?
City staff are available to answer your questions at (714) 890-4279
Orange County Public Information Hotline: (714) 628-7085
How can residents report accessibility needs, transportation needs, or other urgent support needs?
Orange County Public Information Hotline: (714) 628-7085
OCFA Medical Information Hotline: (714) 538-2501
Evacuation Safety Information
How will I know when I can return home?
Evacuation and reentry decisions are made by public safety officials based on conditions in the affected area. Residents and businesses should follow official instructions from the Orange County Fire Authority.
The City will help share verified evacuation and reentry information through official City channels, including the City website at StantonCA.gov, social media and emergency notification systems (Alert OC).
State of Emergency Declaration
What does it mean to have the City and the State declare an Emergency?
Emergency declarations help support coordination, resource requests, emergency purchasing, mutual aid, and potential reimbursement or assistance processes.
The City of Stanton’s local emergency declaration recognizes the significant impacts to Stanton residents, businesses, facilities, and operations.
The State and Federal emergency declarations add additional support and coordination capacity for response and recovery efforts.
These declarations do not guarantee reimbursement or compensation, but they help make emergency resources and potential assistance processes available.
Claims, Reimbursement, Insurance
The evacuations have caused disruptions to my and my family's lives. What will those responsible do to make this right? Will I get compensation?
The City does not currently administer a compensation program for this incident. As additional claims, assistance, or recovery resources become available, the City will share that information through official City channels.
For business-related resources, please visit the County incident page:https://ocgov.com/page/garden-grove-chemical-spill-incident
Role of the City of Stanton
What is the City of Stanton doing about the incident?
The City's fire protection contractor, the Orange County Fire Authority, has led the response to address and resolve the immediate crisis. The role of the City of Stanton has been to address all other impacts of the emergency.
The City is fully engaged and working across departments to support the community during this emergency. This includes:
Sharing verified information
Supporting access and reentry planning
Coordinating shelters and staff
Identifying resident and business needs
Supporting recovery planning
The City recognizes the hardship this emergency is creating and is focused on helping residents and businesses return to normal as safely and quickly as possible.
Is City Hall open for regular business?
Yes. City Hall is open and City employees will continue to serve our community.
The Stanton Family Resource Center is closed while evacuation orders remain in effect. FRC staff and services are available at City Hall: 7800 Katella Ave. and via phone at (714) 890-4279.
UPDATE: Monday, May 25: 6:15pm -The evacuation orders related to the hazardous materials incident in Garden Grove have been modified.Updated Evacuation Area: North of Garden Grove Blvd.South of Orangewood Ave.East of Knott Ave.West of Dale St.
Stanton residents and businesses in the highlighted area on the map must remain evacuated until further notice. Overnight shelters information will be shared once confirmed.
Residents and businesses located outside of the map area may return home. Please follow all traffic controls and directions from public safety personnel and expect delays or road closures in some areas.
If you do not live or work in the affected area, please avoid the area to help reduce traffic congestion.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have additional units in the area to manage traffic and support a safe return process.
We appreciate the community’s continued patience as we navigate this incident and will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.
Public health and environmental agencies, including the EPA and the OC Health Care Agency, continue monitoring air and environmental conditions. There are no current health concerns for anyone outside of the evacuation map.
City Hall will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, May 26 with regular business hours: 7am-12pm, 1pm-6pm. The regularly scheduled City Council meeting will still be held at 6:30pm tomorrow. In place of the Budget Workshop, we will provide a Public Safety update and consider ratification of the local emergency declaration.
The Stanton Family Resource Center remains in the evacuated area; however, staff will be onsite at City Hall to assist families and clients.
Harry Dotson Park and Stanton Central Park will also reopen tomorrow.
Thank you for your cooperation.County of Orange Updates
UPDATE: Monday, May 25: 5pm -
For our Stanton Residents –
We recognize that this incident has created stress, uncertainty, and disruption for many residents, particularly those who have been displaced from their homes. We encourage affected residents to document any losses or expenses and contact their insurance providers to understand potential coverage and claims options. The City will continue to share information regarding claims processes, available resources, and appropriate points of contact as more information becomes available. We remain committed to supporting our residents through this incident and the recovery process.
For our Business Community –
We understand businesses have experienced disruptions and financial impacts due to this incident. We encourage affected businesses to document losses and contact their insurance providers to discuss potential coverage and claims options. The City will continue to share information regarding claims processes, available resources, and appropriate points of contact as more information becomes available. We remain committed to supporting our business community through this situation and recovery efforts.
UPDATE: Monday, May 25: 9am -While the catastrophic risk of a (BLEVE) Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion (massive explosion) has been eliminated, evacuation orders remain in place until further notice. We will continue to post updates as soon as we receive them.
OCFA Incident Update Videos
UPDATE: Sunday, May 24: 9:30pm -
Mandatory evacuations remain in effect
No changes to evacuation map
An additional shelter has opened at Los Alamitos High School
RV parking is available at the Orange County Fairgrounds
All City facilities remain closed
OC Health Care Agency | Orange County California - Health Care Agency
View hazmat incident update videos from the Orange County Fire Authority
UPDATE: Sunday, May 24: 9am -
No significant overnight updates
Mandatory evacuations remain in effect
No changes to evacuation map
The Los Amigos High School shelter has availability
All City facilities remain closed
UPDATE: Saturday, May 23: 9pm - While additional details are not available at this time, please make accommodations for continued mandatory evacuations through this evening and into Sunday. Additional details to follow as they become available.
Orange County Sheriff's Department Resources During a Disaster page has updated information regarding overnight shelter availability.
UPDATE: Saturday, May 23, 10:15am - Mandatory evacuation order remains in effect. Do not return to the evacuation area. OCFA Medical Information Hotline: (714) 538-2501
UPDATE: Saturday, May 23, 6:45am - Mandatory evacuation orders remain in effect.
Currently Available Shelters:
Kennedy High School 8281 Walker St., La Palma
Oceanview High School 17071 Gothard St., Huntington Beach
UPDATE: Friday, May 22, 7:45pm - Mandatory evacuation orders will remain in effect throughout the evening and into tomorrow morning. We will continue to provide updates, including overnight shelter options, as more information becomes available. Evacuation Zones:
North of Trask Avenue
South of Ball Road
East of Valley View Street
West of Dale Street
UPDATE: Friday, May 22, 1:45pm - The City has declared a Local Emergency. Please find the proclamation here.
UPDATE: Friday, May 22, 11:30am - The County of Orange activated and staffed the Emergency Operations Center with County agency representatives at 1100 hours on May 22,2026. The Public Information Hotline has been staffed and is ready to accept calls of inquiry in regard to the nature of emergency or disaster. The Public Information Hotline phone number is (714) 628-7085. All resources and support personnel have been identified and are on standby.
Updated Evacuation Zones:
North of Trask Avenue
South of Ball Road
East of Valley View Street
West of Dale Street
Available Shelters:
Garden Grove: 13641 Deodara Dr.
Cypress: 5700 Orange Ave.
UPDATE: Friday, May 22, 6:42am - The map has been updated to move the Eastern border of the evacuation zone to Springdale St. Evacuation Area: North of Garden Grove Blvd.South of Orangewood Ave.East of Springdale St.West of Dale St.
UPDATE: Friday, May 22, 6:30am: ATTENTION: A mandatory evacuation is in place for the below areas. Orange County Sherrif’s Department deputies will be going door to door assisting residents. If evacuating, please bring any necessary items such as medications.
Evacuation Area: North of Garden Grove Blvd.South of Orangewood Ave.East of Knott Ave.West of Dale St.A temporary shelter is in place at Stanton City Hall: 7800 Katella Ave. Beach Blvd. is closed from Garden Grove Blvd. to Orangewood Ave.
At this time, the duration of the evacuation is unknown. Additional details will follow as they become available.
"
Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
"Don't miss our annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 4 at 6:30pm at City Hall! 🎅🎄❄️We’ll be celebrating Holidays Around the World with a special choral performance, cookie decorating, and a visit from Santa! Rain or shine, we’ll be lighting up the night with holiday cheer - see you there!A special thank you to our sponsors Best Best & Krieger LLP and Raising Cane's for their generous donations that help make this night full of merry memories.
"