Credit: Golden Corral
Golden Corral® is building on its commitment to military communities through its second annual fundraising campaign benefiting Project Healing Waters (PHW), a leading nonprofit that uses fly fishing and outdoor recreation as a therapeutic intervention for Veterans and active-duty military personnel. Running July 13 through August 23, 2026, the nationwide initiative aims to help expand access to PHW’s life-changing programs for our military heroes.
The campaign builds on the success of last year’s inaugural fundraiser, which helped cover the core program costs for over 400 PHW participants. Together, Golden Corral and Project Healing Waters are working to ensure more service members and Veterans have access to programs that foster resilience, strengthen relationships, and rediscover purpose through meaningful experiences in nature.
“Many of the people who walk through our doors have served our country, or love someone who has,” said Lance Trenary, CEO and president of Golden Corral. “Over the years, we’ve supported military families, active-duty service members, and Veterans through several annual initiatives because their journeys do not always end when their service ends. Project Healing Waters addresses a different part of that story by helping people reconnect with themselves and others in ways that can have a lasting impact. When guests round up at the register, they are helping create moments of healing that reach far beyond the plate.”
Golden Corral's support of PHW extends well beyond the annual fundraiser. For more than a decade, brand leadership and supporters have contributed through sponsorship of national ambassador events, including the Mossy Creek Invitational and the recent Daytona and Bristol outings, as well as through personal involvement in philanthropic efforts.
Established in 2005 by CAPT Ed Nicholson, U.S. Navy (Ret.), at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Project Healing Waters uses the restorative power of the outdoors to support Veterans and active military members through a structured curriculum that includes fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying, rod building, and guided outings. Through no-cost programs offered across 45 states and 158 chapters nationwide, participants gain access to experiences that foster camaraderie, community, and personal growth.
8,800 participants benefit from these programs each year, supported by 3,654 active volunteers nationwide. Since 2012, the organization has served 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 unsure of what they are looking for 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 supportive and caring community.”
The partnership further strengthens Golden Corral’s longstanding support of military communities. Through initiatives benefiting DAV, Camp Corral, and now Project Healing Waters, the brand continues to create meaningful opportunities to serve military members, Veterans, and their families.
Guests can participate in two ways throughout the campaign. Diners visiting any Golden Corral location can round up their purchase at the register or make additional contributions by scanning QR codes displayed in-restaurant or by visiting the online donation page HERE.
Find a nearby Golden Corral at GoldenCorral.com/locations. To learn more about the military support programs and volunteer opportunities, visit projecthealingwaters.org.