Volunteers from the Employee Community Outreach program at Texas Roadhouse have partnered with Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) to work on a variety of projects at Camp Shawnee and other CAP programs.

ENDICOTT, Ky. — Louisville-based Texas Roadhouse has been a valued corporate partner with Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) for the past seven years. Diania Ciresi, senior manager of community relations for Texas Roadhouse, recently brought a team to Camp Shawnee as part of their employee community outreach program.

“Our volunteers love the opportunity to do something outside the norm and give back to people in need,” Ciresi said. “They also look forward to the camaraderie they build by working alongside colleagues with whom they don’t get to work with on a normal basis.”

Texas Roadhouse has a group of 10 that volunteer each year and a variety of others that join them on occasion. Their volunteer efforts in Eastern Kentucky are driven by their continued commitment to Appalachia and their partnership with CAP.

At Camp Shawnee, Texas Roadhouse provided every bunk bed and mattress in the camp, built tables for the new Craft Room, and screened in the gazebo by the lake. The company provided money to each department at its Support Center and empowered employees to select which non-profit organizations to assist. Texas Roadhouse even made work hours available for employees to volunteer.

Ciresi worked to increase employee involvement in as many philanthropic initiatives as possible. They had an interest in reaching beyond their local community and CAP provided the opportunity to get involved in Appalachia.

“Being able to have a positive effect on the Appalachian community is why we take part,” Ciresi said. “That’s why we return every year because we understand the impact of what we are doing for the children and families of the region. Appalachia is in our backyard, yet we never realized the scale of the need until CAP approached us.”

The majority of CAP projects are completed by the generosity and support of the community and corporate partners. Since 2010, volunteer teams from Texas Roadhouse have not only worked on projects at Camp Shawnee in Johnson County but also worked at Eagle Community Center in McCreary County painting and organizing, as well as installing a huge sand volleyball pit. Volunteer teams also worked with the Elderly Housing Program to build ramps, replace windows, and provide property enhancements.

“I am amazed year after year by CAP and their focus to enhance the lives of people in need in the Appalachian community,” Ciresi said. “CAP inspires us to become better people by helping others.”