World’s Largest Hot Dog Chain Sponsors Annual 5K in Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer
Wienerschnitzel, home of America’s favorite chili dog, is honoring the legacy of late founder, John Galardi, by joining the fight against pancreatic cancer as the presenting sponsor of PurpleStride Orange County on Saturday, Nov. 12. The family-friendly 5K is hosted by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and provides vital awareness and funds for the disease. The Wienerschnitzel team, made up of more than 70 company executives and employees, will participate in the race in remembrance of Galardi, who founded the company in 1961 and passed away after his battle with pancreatic cancer in 2013.
“With a company mission of ‘serving food to serve others,’ we are committed to bettering every community our restaurants serve, but this is a cause that’s particularly near and dear to our hearts,” said Karen Galardi, Corporate Community Relations & Giving for Wienerschnitzel and daughter of John Galardi. “We are proud to honor my father’s memory and join forces with the countless families this unforgiving disease impacts to raise much needed funds and create hope for those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.”
Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, with only 8 percent of patients alive five years after diagnosis. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and over 41,000 will die from the disease this year.
“The Wienerschnitzel family endured a tremendous loss when John passed away,” said Pamela Acosta Marquardt, Founder of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. “Unfortunately, I hear these types of stories all the time. This is why it is vital we join together to increase awareness and funds to advance research for pancreatic cancer. Wienerschnitzel has made a commitment to do just that by signing on as our presenting sponsor for PurpleStride Orange County, and we could not be more thankful for their support. Together, we will wage hope for those who continue to fight.”
Registration for PurpleStride Orange County opens at 9 a.m. and opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m., at William Mason Regional Park (18712 University Dr., Irvine, CA 92612). To learn more or to sign up for the race, visit www.purplestride.com/orangecounty.
To learn more about how you can support our local affiliate and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, visit www.pancan.org.
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Founded by John Galardi in 1961 with a single hot dog stand in Wilmington, California, Wienerschnitzel (www.wienerschnitzel.com) is a bona fide pioneer of the limited-service food industry. Today, Wienerschnitzel is the world’s largest hot dog franchise and home of America’s favorite Chili Dog. Based in Irvine, California, the parent company, Galardi Group, franchises restaurants throughout the U.S., including Wienerschnitzel, Hamburger Stand, and Tastee Freez. An iconic American brand with a devoted following for over 50 years, Wienerschnitzel is poised for exponential growth, both domestically and internationally. With a refreshed marketing focus, Wienerschnitzel has received tremendous media attention and accolades including Franchise Times’ “20 to Watch” and voted Best Fast Food in Southern California by the readers of Los Angeles Daily News for five years and running. In 2016, Wienerschnitzel was ranked #146 in the coveted Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500. Additionally, the company recently introduced a unique next generation store design featuring a smaller footprint and a lower cost of entry; while the simple menu allows for easy execution and lower food costs. As a family owned and operated company, Wienerschnitzel is in a unique position to always put its franchise partners first and is actively recruiting passionate franchise candidates to grow with the brand during this very exciting time. For more information on owning a Wienerschnitzel, visit franchising.wienerschnitzel.com or contact Ted Milburn – Director, Franchise Development at franchising@wienerschnitzel.com.
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization is leading the way to increase survival for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative — The Vision of Progress: Double Pancreatic Cancer Survival by 2020. To continue to accelerate progress, a goal to raise $200 million by 2020 is also in place. Together, we can Wage Hope and rewrite the future of pancreatic cancer.
