Jackson Perkins Ranks Third Nationally in Fundraiser for Terminally Ill Children

Local restaurant aims to become top Perkins donor for nonprofit that provides vacations for sick kids.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a teddy bear plush toy repeated in a tight grid pattern, representing the fundraising efforts of the Jackson Perkins restaurant to support terminally ill children and their families.The Jackson Perkins restaurant's creative fundraising efforts, including the sale of plush 'Hug bears', aim to make the location the top Perkins donor to the Give Kids the World nonprofit.Jackson Today

A Perkins restaurant in Jackson, Tennessee has been running a five-week fundraiser for Give Kids the World, a nonprofit that provides cost-free vacations for seriously ill children and their families. The Jackson Perkins location is currently ranked third out of over 300 Perkins restaurants nationwide in donations, and is hoping to become the top donor by the end of the campaign.

Why it matters

The fundraiser highlights how local businesses can make a meaningful impact on the lives of terminally ill children and their families through community-driven initiatives. Jackson's Perkins restaurant is aiming to put the city on the map as a top donor, showcasing the generosity and compassion of the local community.

The details

The Jackson Perkins location is raffling off a gift basket worth over $1,000 for $5 per ticket, collecting donations in tip jars, and selling 'Hug bears' that customers can hang on a wall inside the restaurant. The restaurant's hours have been extended to 9pm on the final two days of the fundraiser in order to maximize donations.

  • The five-week fundraiser for Give Kids the World began in early April 2026.
  • The fundraiser will conclude on April 15, 2026 at 9pm.

The players

Perkins

A national restaurant chain that has over 300 locations across the United States.

Give Kids the World

A nonprofit organization that provides week-long, cost-free vacations for seriously ill children and their families.

Laura Seiber

The assistant general manager of the Jackson Perkins location.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Each child puts a star on the ceiling every time they come and visit, so, it just gives you a visual of just how many people we've helped over the years.”

— Laura Seiber, Assistant General Manager

What’s next

The Jackson Perkins location will continue its fundraising efforts through the final day of the campaign on April 15th, with the goal of becoming the top Perkins donor to Give Kids the World nationwide.

The takeaway

This fundraiser demonstrates how local businesses can make a meaningful difference in the lives of terminally ill children and their families by leveraging community support and creative fundraising initiatives. The Jackson Perkins location's efforts to become the top Perkins donor to Give Kids the World is a heartwarming example of corporate social responsibility at the community level.