Arby's customers raise $2.1 million for charities

Arby's restaurants across the United States raised $2.1 million for Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Arby's Foundation and other local youth-mentoring organizations during the restaurant chain's annual fundraiser from June 15 through Aug. 9.

Through the annual fundraiser, Arby's restaurants empowered people to help children in their local communities by adding $1 to their orders to go to Big Brothers Big Sisters and other youth-mentoring organizations. This year, the Arby's Foundation surpassed its fundraising goal of $2 million.

The Arby's National Community Fundraiser began in 1999 when the first Make a Difference pin-up was sold at an Arby's restaurant in Charleston, S.C. In its first year, the program brought in $11,942 for local youth.