8th Annual Lemon Fundraiser to Raise Funds for Children with Cancer June 5th – June 18th
Rita’s Italian Ice, the nation’s largest Italian Ice concept with over 625 outlets in 20 states, announced its annual Paper Lemon Fundraising Campaign and eighth annual partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), a national nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for all kids with cancer. Beginning June 5th and continuing through June 18th, all Rita’s Ice outlets will encourage Guests to donate $1 for a paper lemon to raise money for the charity. The lemons will be used to build a “Wall of Hope,” a visual tribute to the community’s participation in the fundraiser, at each Rita’s Ice location.
Since 2006, Rita’s has been a corporate partner of ALSF and implemented the paper lemon campaign to help raise funds for pediatric cancer research, one Lemon at a time. In honor of the Foundation’s namesake, the late Alexandra “Alex” Scott, Rita’s renamed its Lemon Ice flavor—“Alex’s Lemonade.” Lemon, one of Rita’s original flavor offerings when the company was established in 1984, is still one of the company’s most popular flavors.
Last year’s Paper Lemon Fundraising Campaign generated more than three hundred and fifty thousand dollars in donations. Over the past seven years, Rita’s has collectively raised more than $3.5 million for pediatric cancer research, becoming one of the leading corporate fundraising partners for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
“We couldn’t be more proud of our Rita’s Franchisees and their Treat Team’s efforts in raising funds and awareness for children battling cancer,” said Jonathan Fornaci, President, Rita’s Italian Ice. “This year we hope our Paper Lemon Fundraising Campaign raises even more money for the fight against childhood cancer.”
This year, Rita’s has established “Rita’s Fund of Hope”, which will ensure that the travel needs of families whose children are battling cancer are met. “Our new goal is to raise $1 million over the next 2 years,” Fornaci said.
“We are continuously amazed by the ongoing support Rita’s Franchise Company has provided to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation over the past seven years, and we’re thrilled to introduce Rita’s new Fund of Hope,” said Jay Scott, Alex’s father and Co-Executive Director of ALSF. “By enlisting the support of their Guests, Rita’s helps to continue our daughter’s legacy and allows us to take strides toward fighting childhood cancer.”
Rita’s Franchise Company, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Trevose, PA, is the largest Italian Ice concept in the United States, currently operating in 20 states with over 625 outlets. Rita’s presently has international outlets opening in China, India, ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao), and Canada, and is continuing to grow nationally and internationally through franchise opportunities.
The popular chain offers a variety of frozen treats including its famous Italian Ice, made fresh daily with real fruit, available in over sixty-five flavors, Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard, Milkshakes, Sundaes with Unlimited Toppings, Light Custard, Frozen Custard Cakes, Custard Cookie Sandwiches made with OREO, layered Gelati as well as its signature Misto and Blendini creations. Since 1984, “Ice, Custard, Happiness,” has been the brand’s motto, and almost thirty years later, Rita’s is still dedicated to serving up a big dose of happiness with their freshly made, delicious, custom treats, in a fun-filled atmosphere.
Rita’s topped the Zagat Survey for the #1 Best Quick Refreshment, Ice Cream/Custard for 2012, and was named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal’s “Startup Journal” and named Top 100 on Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 500 Franchise Rankings” in 2012. For more information about Rita’s please call 1-800-677-7482 or visit www.ritasice.com or www.ownaritas.com
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004). In 2000, 4-year-old Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of supporters across the country carrying on her legacy of hope. To date, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $60 million toward fulfilling Alex’s dream of finding a cure, funding over 300 research projects nationally.
