New York Cares, the city’s largest volunteer organization, today announced the launch of a new partnership designed to help teach local New Yorkers about the sweet taste of volunteerism. This month the organization, which works closely with nonprofits, city agencies, and public schools to identify the toughest problems facing New York City and create flexible and meaningful ways for people to help in all five boroughs, is teaming up with 16 Handles, New York’s premier self-serve frozen yogurt destination, to unveil a new, co-branded frozen yogurt flavor that gives back—New York Cares Cheesecake.
New York Cares Cheesecake offers a smooth, creamy and “better for you” take on a popular New York staple, merging hints of sour cream, vanilla and graham cracker crust into a light frozen yogurt treat. The flavor, which pairs well with a number of toppings found at 16 Handles, is available starting today through the month of September in all New York-based 16 Handles stores, including 16 Handles newest location in Murray Hill.
“We thank 16 Handles for its generous support and for helping our volunteers make New York City an even better place to live and work,” said Gary Bagley, Executive Director of New York Cares. “New York Cares is dedicated to addressing critical needs across the five boroughs and 16 Handles shares many of those same values while also making delicious frozen yogurt.”
The launch of New York Cares Cheesecake marks the first co-branded, philanthropic initiative between the two New-York headquartered organizations. In addition to donating a portion of all proceeds resulting from flavor sales sold across all of its New York-based stores, 16 Handles will support several upcoming New York Cares events and fundraisers designed to thank the many volunteers who graciously donate their personal time and energy to lend a hand to local New Yorkers in need.
“16 Handles was born right here in New York City. While we are growing beyond the five boroughs, New York will always be an important part of our brand story,” said 16 Handles founder Solomon Choi. “We can think of no better way to give back to our birthplace then by partnering with New York Cares, an organization that does so much to ensure the opportunities of the city are accessible to everyone else who also calls it home.”
Founded in 2008 by foodservice industry expert Solomon Choi, 16 Handles was first to pioneer the self-service frozen yogurt concept in New York City. With 26 locations across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and Florida, 16 Handles urges every guest to Flaunt Their Flavor by offering 16 handles of premium frozen yogurt, along with a complementary toppings bar featuring more than 50 items. The company continues to expand rapidly and forecasts that 40 stores will be open by the end of 2012. An eco-conscious company committed to sustainability, 16 Handles uses biodegradable packaging and spoons, while each store plants 16 trees per day though an ongoing partnership with Trees for the Future. For more information visit www.16handles.com.
New York Cares is New York City’s largest volunteer organization. Founded 25 years ago, New York Cares runs volunteer programs for 1,200 New York City nonprofits, city agencies, and public schools across the five boroughs. Last year, 54,000 New York Cares volunteers served on hands-on volunteer projects helping 400,000 New Yorkers in need. New York Cares offers a full range of volunteer programs that meet critical social needs, including helping children learn to read, preparing meals for homeless and housebound people, helping low income students get into college, and much more. For more information, visit newyorkcares.org.
