Runza raises more than $43,000 to purchase books for children

Runza restaurants raised more than $43,000 as part of its “Great Books for Great Kids” fundraiser on Sept. 16. All 80 Runzas in Nebraska, Colorado, Iowa and Kansas donated 15 percent of sales that day to purchase books for libraries, schools and school foundations in communities with a store location.

The fundraiser promotes the importance of reading and literacy and raised $43,248.31 this year. In the 12-year history of the program,, more than $362,000 has been donated. Runza was recognized by the National Restaurant Association in 2005 for the initiative and was awarded the Restaurant Good Neighbor Award in the large business category.

“Reading is vital to lifelong success and provides an excellent opportunity for families to spend time together,” said Becky Perrett, director of marketing for Runza National. “Donating funds for books and promoting literacy is an important endeavor for children & the community and we are very thankful our customers believe in this effort.”