Jan 05,2009
Easter Seals & Friendly's Announce New focus for 28-Year Fundraising Campaign
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Easter Seals & Friendly's Announce New focus for 28-Year Fundraising Campaign
Brand Launches Longstanding 'Cones for Kids' Fundraiser to support Easter Seals Camp Friendly's
Chicago, January 5, 2009 - Celebrating 'Cones for Kids' 28th year, Friendly Ice Cream Corporation today launches its annual Valentine's Day fundraiser to benefit local Easter Seals Camp programs. The 2009 campaign goal to raise more than $1 million will benefit approximately 28 Easter Seals Camp Friendly's Program locations.
Since 1981, 'Cones for Kids' has been a winter tradition up-and-down the East Coast. Each year, employees across the restaurant chain help change the lives of thousands of children with disabilities through their efforts — raising $25.2 million to date; more than $619,000 in 2008 alone.
Friendly's provides restaurant guests with 5 Valentine's Day cards, redeemable for free Friendly's Kid Cones plus a $5 off a $25 purchase coupon for parents. The campaign runs from January 5, 2009 through February 13, 2009.
Even on the Coldest Days, an Ice Cream Cone Can Warm the Heart
"Kids and families know that it's never too cold outside to go for an ice cream cone. Servers make sure that every guest has a chance to give," says Kevin McNamara, Vice President, Operations Support Services, Friendly Ice Cream Corporation. "'Cone's for Kids' is good for business and we know that our contributions to Easter Seals make it possible for children with disabilities to have a great summer camp experience."Funds raised will support Easter Seals Camp Friendly's programs essential to building a sense of independence and accomplishment. Camp provides an opportunity for kids with disabilities to be included in regular camp activities like, boating and canoeing, swimming, archery, ropes courses, horseback riding, hiking, basketball and fishing.
"Friendly's employees are dedicated to making this campaign a continued success, doing everything they can to engage restaurant guests and local communities in our cause," said James E. Williams, Jr., president and chief executive officer, Easter Seals. "It's fitting that each year around Valentine's Day, 'Cones for Kids' helps so many children and adults with disabilities. The program truly represents the heart of Friendly's, and it is the cornerstone of our two organizations' 28-year-strong partnership.
About Friendly Ice Cream Corporation
Friendly Ice Cream Corporation is a vertically integrated restaurant company serving signature sandwiches, entrees and ice cream desserts in a friendly, family environment in more than 500 company and franchised restaurants throughout the Northeast. The company also manufactures ice cream, which is distributed through more than 4,000 supermarkets and other retail locations. With a 73-year operating history, Friendly's enjoys strong brand recognition and is currently revitalizing its restaurants and introducing new products to grow its customer base. To find a Friendly's near you, visit http://www.friendlys.com.About Easter Seals
Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For nearly 90 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play. Support children and adults with disabilities at www.easterseals.com.
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