For the 10th year, this September the National Restaurant Association and founding partner American Express will recognize restaurant companies that have gone above and beyond in giving back to their communities with the Restaurant Neighbor Award. Four national winners will each receive a check for $5,000 to continue their charitable works, plus a trip to Washington, D.C. to receive the award.

Nine out of 10 restaurant operators surveyed by the NRA report they raise money for charities or donate food or space. And, close to one third have one or more employees in their organization who focus on community-relations activities. “Restaurants are a tremendous asset to their communities and the charities they support,” says Curtis Wilson, vp/general manager, restaurant industries, American Express. “The generosity of the restaurant industry – in spirit and in deed – is astounding. It is a privilege for American Express to help recognize some of the most extraordinary each year.”

State restaurant associations select a winner in each category (small, mid-size, and national chain), plus an individual who receives the Cornerstone Humanitarian Award to compete for the national awards. Last year’s national winners, selected from 105 state finalists, were T-60 Grill, Seneca, SC; Canlis Restaurant, Seattle, WA; Ninety Nine Restaurant, Woburn, MA; and Pano Karatassos, Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, Atlanta, GA.

Applications are due by June 20. For more information and to download an application, visit www.restaurant.org/community/rna