FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- Panera Bread is partnering with MISSION UNITED to honor active military personnel and veterans through two different promotions taking place from now until the end of 2013.
 
Panera Bread has named MISSION UNITED the recipient of their local Dough-Nation Program from November 1st through December 31, 2013.  The nationwide program utilizes Community Bread Boxes located near the registers to collect cash donations for local causes.  All cash donations collected in the boxes of 12 participating Broward County Panera Bread locations will be donated to MISSION UNITED.  MISSION UNITED is a United Way of Broward County community based initiative, in partnership with American Red Cross, convening and aligning public and private resources in Broward County to support U.S. military service members, veterans and their family by helping them re-acclimate to civilian life.
 
Additionally, on Veteran’s Day, Monday, November 11th, all Military Personnel and Veterans can receive a free You-Pick-Two (Panera’s combo meal including a cup of soup, half sandwich or half salad) at all Palm Beach County and participating Broward County Panera Bread café locations by wearing his or her uniform or by showing Military I.D.  MISSION UNITED will have staff on hand at all participating Broward County locations to distribute information about the services the non-profit organization provides to military service members, veterans and their families in Broward County.
 
“We continually work to show our customers and our community members that we appreciate them- especially to those who have made sacrifices for our country,” said Sam Covelli, Owner and Operator of Covelli Enterprises/Panera Bread. “We hope this token of generosity will let these men and women know how thankful we are for their service.”
 
“We are so thankful to Panera Bread for recognizing our military service members and veterans on Veteran’s Day and throughout the holiday season,” added Kathleen Cannon, President/CEO of United Way of Broward County.  “It is so wonderful that Panera continuously helps so many groups and people with all of its philanthropic programs throughout the year.”
 
Covelli Enterprises continues to believe that community involvement is the backbone of their business. In 2012, Covelli Enterprises/Panera Bread donated over $17 million dollars to charity through Operation Dough-nation, Day-End Dough-Nation, community fundraisers and community events.