Ellen's restaurant in Dallas donates $15,000 to gun reform advocates

Women who are part of a gun violence activist group had a special Mother’s Day.

Moms with the gun violence activist group Moms Demand Action celebrated Mother’s Day with brunch at Ellen’s in Downtown Dallas.

Ellen’s caused a lot of controversy when the National Rifle Association was in town last weekend after the restaurant decided to take action against the gun lobby by putting a message on their receipt reading:

“Thanks for visiting Ellen’s! A portion of this week’s proceeds will be donated to organizations dedicated to implementing reasonable and effective gun regulations that protect citizens’ 2nd amendment rights and also help reduce needless gun violence.”

The owners say they received immediate backlash from the NRA and threats from others, but they also received support. Co-owner Jim Groves says business actually increased and they started getting personal donations, with one customer giving $200.

Sunday morning, on Mother’s Day, Ellen’s presented a $15,000 check to Moms Demand Action.

"We didn't set out to take a risky position or to make a statement that was going to go around the world. Someone said the other day that we have the receipt that went around the world. It's true. It's interesting. But that was not our goal. Our goal was simply to make a statement while the NRA was in town that there is a way to stop this needless violence," said Co-Owner Joe Groves.

Moms Demand Action focuses on educating and training people on how to lobby for legislative change to gun laws, which include enhanced background checks for gun sales, banning bump stocks and high capacity magazines.

The organization says they’ll be able to educate and train more volunteers with this donation.