Johnny Carino's, an Italian restaurant company with more than 80 locations nationwide, announced that it raised more than $73,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation during its annual Big Crush promotion in October. The Big Crush is an annual tradition at Johnny Carino's inspired by the celebrations in Italy during grape harvest season that lets the casual Italian dining restaurant group embrace its authentic Italian roots and offer guests a selection unique Italian dishes and drinks from their Big Crush menu. It has also used the Big Crush as a platform to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.

The funds were raised from guests who dined in and donated $2 to NBCF. In return for their donation, they were given a free appetizer coupon that they can use on their next visit to Johnny Carino's. Guests who dined in during the Big Crush were treated to a special Big Crush menu that included a sneak peak of two of Johnny Carino's new menu items, the Lemon Butter Salmon and Spicy Mediterranean Salmon. Johnny Carino's full new menu launched in November.

"Each year, our guests look forward to the Big Crush promotion at Johnny Carino's because they know they will enjoy specially-made Italian dishes and drinks as well as get a chance to support an important cause," says Creed Ford III, CEO of Johnny Carino's. "We are grateful to all our loyal and generous guests who made this year's Big Crush another successful effort."

Johnny Carino's guests were also able to enter a contest to win a to Napa Valley in California by posting and sharing their Big Crush meals at Johnny Carino's on their social networks.

"We appreciate Johnny Carino's continued support for Helping Women Now," says Douglas Feil, NBCF VP of Programs. "The funds raised through their generous customers will help provide early detection services for women in all 50 states."