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Doherty Enterprises Inc.-owned Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar locations in several states are joining in the fight to end childhood cancer.

Through Sept. 2, the Allendale-based restaurant group’s eateries will fundraise in support of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). The nonprofit is dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research and family support programs.

Since the partnership began in 2005, Applebee’s locations nationwide have raised more than $16 million for ALSF, funding 320,000 hours of research.

As part of this year’s effort, the casual-dining brand will give guests a chance to contribute to the cause by purchasing one of its signature lemonade drinks.

According to Applebee’s, it will donate 50 cents from the sale of every Rockin’ Poppin’ Strawberry Lemonade sold in restaurant to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. It will give 25 cents to the organization for every $5 Backyard Lemonade Mucho Cocktail or Sutter Home Lemonade Passion Spritz, too.

Additionally, Applebee’s will contribute 100% of proceeds from the sale of “paper lemon tags” to customers. Guests can also click the “donate now” button to contribute when purchasing a gift card on Appleebees.com or add $1 or $5 “digital lemons” to their cart when ordering online or thru the mobile app.

A young inspiration

ALSF began in 2005 when 4-year-old cancer patient Alexandra Scott set up a front-yard lemonade stand to help raise money to find cures for other kids with cancer. By the time she passed away at the age of 8, Alexandra had raised $1 million.

Since then, ALSF has evolved into a worldwide fundraising movement. It is the largest independent childhood cancer charity in the U.S. The group is considered a leader in funding pediatric research projects across the globe and providing programs to families affected by childhood cancer.

In a statement, Liz Scott, Alex’s mother and ALSF’s co-executive director, said, “Applebee’s is one of ALSF’s first partners and over the years their commitment to the cause has only grown. Their prominence and national reach have helped to introduce countless people over the years to ALSF and raised more than $16 million in the fight against childhood cancer.”

“We are truly grateful for their continued partnership to help find cures and support families during their child’s treatment and beyond,” she added.

‘Doin’ Good’

Applebee’s President Tony Moralejo said the brand is honored to continue its longstanding partnership with the nonprofit.

“At Applebee’s, we take Doin’ Good in the Neighborhood to heart and together with our franchisees and guests, look forward to raising more than ever this year,” he said.

Last year, Doherty, a longstanding Applebee’s franchisee, contributed more than $88,000 to ALSF.

Doherty is considered one of the largest foodservice companies in the U.S. and among the largest privately held businesses in New Jersey. Its franchises also include Panera Bread and Chevys Fresh Mex. The family-owned business operates its own concepts, too: The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Sputino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas.

After selling off most of its Florida and Georgia Applebee’s locations earlier this year, Doherty maintains ownership of 80 units in New Jersey and New York.

Within New Jersey, Doherty’s has Applebee’s restaurants in Piscataway, Tinton Falls, Paramus, Brick, Totowa, Woodbridge, Parsippany, Toms River, Clifton, Manalapan, Bridgewater, Edison, Milltown, Linden, Manahawkin, Howell, Ocean, Hillsborough, Phillipsburg, Middletown, Union, Butler, Hackettstown, Kearny, Hackensack, Newton, Jersey City, Mount Olive, Newark, Rockaway, Lacey, North Bergen, Manchester, Garfield and Clark.