YMCA OF METROPOLITAN DALLAS KICKS OFF $30-MILLION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN AT 2ND ANNUAL KEY LEADERS BREAKFAST

Brinker International CEO Doug Brooks Addresses Attendees
On Corporate Leadership In The Community

Dallas, Texas (November 15, 2005) – The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas held its 2nd Annual Key Leaders Breakfast today at the Frontiers of Flight Museum as it publicly launched the $30 million Strong Kids Capital Campaign.  To date, $12.2 million dollars has been raised in the campaign.  The funds raised through this capital campaign will allow the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas to build, expand and modernize new and existing facilities throughout North Texas. The event encouraged key area business leaders to become more involved in the community by highlighting the YMCA’s future strategies for building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

Gordon Echtenkamp, President & CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas provided an update on the YMCA’s activities and programs.  “This is an exciting time in the life of our organization as we launch the largest capital campaign in our history,” said Mr. Echtenkamp.  “With the leadership of our capital campaign committee, board of directors and volunteers, I know we will be successful in reaching our $30 million goal.”

Doug Brooks, CEO of Dallas-based Brinker International, served as the event’s keynote speaker.  He focused on the importance of corporations taking an active role in helping build strong employees.  He applauded his early mentors highlighting how they had a profound impact on his career. Mr. Brooks also spoke about his leadership duties and responsibilities as the head of Brinker International, one of the nation’s top restaurant companies.

“The mission of the YMCA compliments ours at Brinker International as both serve as a family to our young people and gives them positive role models,” said Mr. Brooks.  “I applaud the YMCA for your continued commitment to improving the communities you serve.”

YMCA chairs Garrett Boone, Chairman of The Container Store, and Gail Madden, co-founder of the Community Connection thanked those that have already given to the $12.2 million already raised.  “As someone who grew up in the YMCA, I personally know the impact it has on our children and families,” said Mr. Boone.  “Our supporters realize this as well, as so many have shared their personal YMCA stories along with their financial resources.”   Ms. Madden added, “We are pleased with the success of this campaign thus far and look forward to those to come in this next phase.”

Brinker Inc CEO, Doug Brooks gave a motivating key-note address	The current figure raised is unveiled at the end of the Strong Kids Campaign Capital Kick Off event held at the Frontiers of Fliight Museum in Dallas for the YMCA.	Garrett Boone and Gail Madden act as co-chairs for the campaign and announced the public phase.