Golden Corral restaurants nationwide are rallying in support of Project Healing Waters, aiming to raise $275,000 for therapeutic outdoor recreation programs that help veterans and active-duty military members find connection, purpose, and healing through fly fishing.

Golden Corral® is deepening its commitment to the military community with its second yearly fundraising drive in support of Project Healing Waters (PHW), a prominent nonprofit that turns to fly fishing and time outdoors as a form of therapy for veterans and service members on active duty. The nationwide effort runs from July 13 to Aug. 23 and seeks to raise $275,000 to broaden access to PHW’s transformative programming.

This year’s campaign follows a strong debut last year, when the first fundraiser brought in more than $265,000 and covered essential program expenses for over 400 PHW participants. Golden Corral and Project Healing Waters are partnering once again to give more veterans and service members the chance to take part in programs that build resilience, deepen relationships, and help them rediscover a sense of purpose through meaningful time in nature.

“So many of the guests who come through our doors have served this country, or care deeply about someone who has,” said Lance Trenary, CEO and president of Golden Corral. “For years, we’ve backed military families, active-duty personnel, and veterans through a number of yearly efforts, because the challenges people face don’t disappear the moment their service does. Project Healing Waters speaks to a different chapter of that story, helping people reconnect with themselves and with one another in ways that stay with them. When guests round up at the register, they’re helping create moments of healing that go well beyond the meal itself.”

Golden Corral’s backing of PHW reaches far beyond the yearly campaign. For over ten years, the company’s leaders and supporters have pitched in by sponsoring national ambassador events, such as the Mossy Creek Invitational and the recent Daytona outing, and through their own hands-on involvement in charitable work.

Project Healing Waters was founded in 2005 by CAPT Ed Nicholson, U.S. Navy (Ret.), at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. It draws on the healing power of the outdoors to support veterans and active military members through a structured program covering fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying, rod building, and guided trips. Its free programs, available across 45 states through 158 chapters nationwide, connect participants with experiences that build camaraderie, community, and personal growth.

Each year, 8,800 participants take part in these programs, made possible by 3,654 active volunteers across the country. Since 2012, the organization has reached 69,443 veterans.

“What begins with a fly rod often becomes something much larger,” said Jim Knowlton, CEO of Project Healing Waters. “We see Veterans arrive looking for an activity and leave with friendships, confidence, and a renewed sense of belonging. Healing often starts with small moments shared outdoors, and Golden Corral is helping us ensure that more people can experience those moments and continue their journey surrounded by a community that understands them.”

The collaboration adds to Golden Corral’s long history of standing behind military communities. Through efforts benefiting DAV, Camp Corral, and now Project Healing Waters, the brand keeps finding meaningful ways to serve service members, veterans, and their families.

Guests can get involved in two ways during the campaign. Anyone dining at a Golden Corral location can round up their bill at the register or give more by scanning the QR codes posted in the restaurant or visiting the online PHW donation page.