The Apple Gold Group, franchisee of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bars, raised $215,000 for The V Foundation for Cancer Research during their fifth annual March Hoops Fundraiser.

This year's efforts generated more than $34,000 more than last year's fundraiser and $89,000 more than Apple Gold raised in 2009, a news release said. Over the past four years, the Apple Gold Group team has raised more than $500,000 dollars to help The V Foundation fund research for a cure.

"We are extremely proud of our employees' efforts to raise funds for researchers to continue making strides in cancer research," said Michael Olander, president and CEO of the Apple Gold Group. "We are also truly thankful to all of our guests who have not only helped us raise this record amount this year, but who have helped us raise half a million dollars for this great cause.

"Cancer has affected so many people in our communities, our state and our nation, and we are honored to support The V Foundation in its fight against cancer."

Last spring, employees of the Apple Gold Group's 52 North Carolina Applebee's asked patrons to donate $1 or more toward The V Foundation. In return for their donation, they were given paper basketballs to personalize and hang in the restaurant.

In the spirit of the tournament season, patrons were able to choose from several different basketball styles representing Duke, UNC, N.C. State, Wake Forest, ECU and other local universities. The basketballs were then displayed in the restaurant to encourage other customers to participate, sometimes even provoking a little friendly competition between supporters of the different schools to see who would donate the most.

"The Apple Gold Group's employees and guests always exhibit commitment and passion to this fundraising cause and we're honored they have such strong determination in the fight against cancer," said Nick Valvano, CEO of The V Foundation for Cancer Research. "With their strong commitment and dedication, their efforts help move us one step closer to finding a cure for this disease!"

The Apple Gold Group, one of the original five Applebee's franchisees, was founded in 1984 to develop and operate Applebee's restaurants in North Carolina, opening its first one in North Carolina in 1985.

Since then, the company has expanded its territory to include Oklahoma, Arkansas and, most recently, South Carolina, and currently operates 86 restaurants in those four states.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, the foundation has raised more than $80 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide.

It awards 100 percent of all new direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. Anyone needing more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation can visit www.jimmyv.org.