Indiana restaurant chain hosts fundraiser for tornado victims

Severe tornadoes ripped through central Indiana last week.

Destroying homes, even flattening buildings, leaving hundreds of Kokomo residents in shelters wondering how they will recover from what was lost.

So a popular food chain is stepping in.

The devastation in Kokomo hits close to home for Ponderosa Steakhouse.

“Our owner actually lives in Kokomo. Fortunately, he was spared from the tragedy,” said Bobbie Covington, the restaurant’s manager.

All thirteen Ponderosa locations across Indiana are participating. So today, customers have been making sure to contribute.

“Everyone is happy to participate, some customers are even giving the cashier a dollar at the register,” Covington said.

With the company being founded in Kokomo, they especially hope they can give a lot back to their roots.

“We care. It’s really unfortunate and we were spared and we just want to help the victims of the tornado,” Covington said.

For each entrée or buffet that was sold, Ponderosa Steakhouse will be donating $1.00 to the American Red Cross.