Rita's Paper Lemon Program Gives Childhood Cancer The Squeeze

By: Rita’s Italian Ice | 0 Shares 91 Reads

Third Consecutive Fundraiser Aims to Pour More than $580,000 into Research

/24-7PressRelease/ - TREVOSE, PA, June 04, 2008 - Rita's Water Ice, (http://www.ritasice.com) the nation's largest Italian Ice concept, today announced the commencement of its third consecutive paper lemon promotion to raise funds for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for pediatric cancer research. During the month of June, more than 500 Rita's locations will sell $1 paper lemons to help the foundation on its national crusade to find a cure for pediatric cancer. In just two years as a corporate sponsor of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, Rita's has raised more than $1 million for pediatric cancer research and become the Foundation's leading corporate donor.

From June 1 through June 30, Rita's guests will have the opportunity to obtain a paper lemon for a $1 donation. Guests can personalize their paper lemons, which will then be displayed in the local store's "Wall of Hope'" a visual tribute to the community's participation in the fundraiser.

Rita's guests have demonstrated year after year that they care deeply about children battlin the trauma of cancer," said Jim Rudolph, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Rita's Water Ice. "Our guests, franchise partners and Treat Teams in every Rita's location are united in our commitment to this critical cause. Together, we¡¦ll meet our goal to raise more than $580,000 for Alex'¦s Lemonade Stand Foundation."

"We are extremely grateful that Rita's will continue their paper lemon promotion this June," said Jay Scott, Alex's father and Executive Director of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. "Their belief in the dream of our daughter continues to help us achieve our vision to find a cure for all children with cancer."

In 2006, Rita's Water Ice officially became a corporate partner of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. In honor of the Foundation's namesake, the late Alexandra "Alex"¨ Scott, Rita's officially renamed its Lemon ice flavor -- "Aex's Lemonade." Lemon, one of Rita¡¦s two original flavor offerings when the company was established in 1984, is one of the company¡¦s five most popular flavors.

About Rita's Water Ice

Rita's Water Ice Franchise Company, headquartered in Trevose, Pa., is the largest Italian Ice concept in the nation, currently operating in 17 states with more than 500 stores. Rita's brand promise is Ice, Custard and Happiness·. The chain offers a variety of frozen treats including its famous Italian Ice, Old Fashioned Frozen Custard, and layered Gelati, as well as its signature Misto and Blendini creations. Rita¡¦s was named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal's "Startup Journal."¦ For more information about Rita's Water Ice, please call 1-800-677-RITA or visit http://www.ritasice.com.

About Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

Alex's Lemonade Stand was founded by a young cancer patient, Alexandra "Alex" Scott. For four years, despite her deteriorating health, Alex held an annual lemonade stand to raise money for childhood cancer research. Following her inspirational example, thousands of lemonade stands have been held across the country by children, schools, businesses and organizations, all to benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. As of today, her national campaign has raised over $19 million for pediatric cancer research. Alex died peacefully in August, 2004. Her family is committed to continuing with her legacy through her foundation, Alex¡¦s Lemonade Stand Foundation until a cure for all childhood cancers is found. For more information, please visit http://www.alexslemonade.org.

Rita's Water Ice Franchise Company is the largest Italian Ice concept in the nation. For more information about Rita¡¦s Water Ice, please call 1-800-677-RITA or visit http://www.ritasice.com.

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