The restaurant chain Chili’s has canceled a fundraiser set up by a franchise partner for an affiliate of the abortion giant Planned Parenthood after receiving complaints over the matter.
Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky had announced on social media last week that supporters throughout the two states could present a voucher when dining at Chili’s and 15 percent of their pre-tax purchase would be donated to Planned Parenthood.
The promotion was a part of Chili’s “Give Back” program.
“Here’s why you should go to happy hour,” the organization wrote. “Show this flyer at any Chili’s Bar and Grill in Indiana and Kentucky, and the restaurant will donate 15% of your check to PPINK! The promotion lasts now through March.”
But as word of the fundraising arrangement disseminated, some expressed displeasure, which prompted the corporate office to reportedly take notice. It released a statement on Thursday that the “Give Back” effort for Planned Parenthood had been discontinued.
“We recognize every community is unique, and encourage our restaurant managers and franchise partners to support causes that help bring communities together and leave a positive impact on our valued guests, neighbors, friends and families we serve,” the company wrote.
“Yesterday, we learned that an independent franchise partner of Chili’s in Indiana and Kentucky made the decision to host a Chili’s Give Back Event on behalf of Planned Parenthood Indiana and Kentucky,” it said.
The company outlined that while the franchiser meant well, the matter was too divisive.
“While our franchise partner had the best intentions; we have received growing feedback and concern from community members regarding the Give Back Event,” it said. “This feedback does not reflect Chili’s focus on bringing communities together and the event was never intended to be viewed as a partisan event or political statement. Therefore, we, along with our franchise partner, have decided to cancel the event.”
A similar fundraiser had been organized in 2011 for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte in California, but that effort was likewise cancelled due to complaints.
As previously reported, according to its annual report, Planned Parenthood received $553 million in taxpayer funding/grants in the 2014-2015 fiscal year (the latest year available), up from $528 million the year prior, which equated to 43 percent of its total income.
$48 million of Planned Parenthood’s income was used for sex education, and $39 million was used for public policy, or to influence legislation, up from $33 million in 2013. Despite its expenditures, it still garnered a $61 million dollar profit.
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