ANAHEIM HILLS, Calif., Oct. 28, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, a charity organization committed to providing homes, care, treatment and supportive services for abused, neglected and emotionally troubled children and their families, today announced that Harald Herrmann has joined its board of directors. Herrmann is the president and COO of Yard House, USA, and a longtime friend of children.
"Canyon Acres is incredibly pleased to have Harald on our board," said Clete Menke, President of Canyon Acres. "Harald has a compelling history of personal and professional leadership, and Canyon Acres will benefit from his strong management skills and commitment to philanthropy."
Herrmann's position with Yard House is the result of a longstanding passion for the restaurant business, which began when, in high school, Herrmann took a job as a dishwasher. He subsequently worked his way up via positions at other eateries to participate in concept development during Yard House's early days. His work there culminated in the wildly successful opening of the flagship Yard House in Long Beach, California, after which he became a partner in the corporation. Today Yard House is one of the nation's fastest-growing and most financially successful companies.
Herrmann further distinguished himself at Yard House and in the community at large by instituting a policy of corporate responsibility, which includes a community outreach program that supports a number of non-profit organizations like Canyon Acres, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Athletes and Entertainers for Kids, 9-1-1 for Kids and Share Our Selves. Herrmann is also responsible for the publication of the children's book Bowregarde: The Tale of a Little Mouse with a Big Name, which he discovered in manuscript form while going through the belongings of his late first wife, who had just succumbed to cancer. Bowregarde is the story of a mouse who encounters difficulty with other young mice who discriminate against him because of his unusual name. Bowregarde eventually finds liberation in a friendship with a hippopotamus who has the same problem.
"I am absolutely thrilled to join the Canyon Acres board," said Herrmann. "Canyon Acres has a long track record of success in giving hope, love and safety to the children who need it most. I am excited to help the agency continue to reach its goals."
ABOUT CANYON ACRES
Canyon Acres Children and Family Services has been serving children throughout Orange County since 1980 providing the highest level of care and therapeutic treatment to children who suffer from a variety of emotional and psychological disorders. Canyon Acres gives children nurturing, treatment, and opportunities that they need to grow up in safe, loving, and stable families. For more information about Canyon Acres Children and Family Services, contact Bock Communications at + 1-714-540-1030 or canyonacres@bockpr.com or visit the Canyon Acres Children and Family Services web site at www.canyonacres.org.