Rita's Squeezes Pediatric Cancer with $451,000 Donation

By: Rita’s Italian Ice | 0 Shares 105 Reads

Annual paper lemon promotion for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation nets more than $2 million in four years

TREVOSE, Pa., July 30 // PRNewswire // -- Rita's Italian Ice, the nation's largest Italian Ice concept with more than 550 stores across 18 states, today announced that the company raised $451,000 this June for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer (ALSF) during its signature paper lemon fundraiser. In the month of June for the past four years, Rita's has collectively raised more than $2 million for pediatric cancer research, becoming the leading corporate fundraiser of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.

From June 1 through June 30, more than 550 Rita's locations participated in the company's fourth consecutive fundraiser and sold paper lemons in $1 increments to Rita's guests. All guests had the option to personalize their paper lemons, which were then displayed in the local store's "Wall of Hope," a visual tribute to the community's participation in the fundraiser.

In 2006, Rita's officially became a corporate partner of ALSF and implemented its unique paper lemon promotion to help raise funds for pediatric cancer research. 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 two original flavor offerings when the company was established in 1984, is one of the company's five most popular flavors.

"Rita's franchise partners and Treat Team members inspire our guests year after year through this program, and together, they demonstrate how much they care deeply about children battling the trauma of cancer," said Jim Rudolph, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Rita's Italian Ice. "I couldn't be more proud of the continued commitment that Rita's has in support of the ALSF mission, and how our guests, franchise partners and Treat Team members raised $451,000 in only four weeks."

"We are continuously amazed by the support Rita's Franchise Company has shown Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation in the battle against childhood cancer," said Jay Scott, Alex's father and 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 fulfilling her dream of a cure for all children touched by the disease."

About Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra "Alex" Scott (1996-2004). At the age of 4, 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 volunteers 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 $25 million towards fulfilling Alex's dream of finding a cure, funding over 100 research projects nationally. For more information, please visit www.AlexsLemonade.org.

About Rita's Franchise Company

Rita's Franchise Company, headquartered in Trevose, Pa., is the largest Italian Ice concept in the nation, currently operating in 18 states with more than 550 stores. Rita's brand promise is Ice, Custard and Happiness(TM). The chain offers a variety of frozen treats including its famous Italian Ice, Old Fashioned Frozen Custard, and layered Gelati, healthy Light Line(TM) treat options as well as its signature Misto(TM) and Blendini(TM) creations. Rita's was named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal's 'Startup Journal.' In a 2009 Zagat survey of over 6,000 fast-food fans, Rita's was ranked #2 in the Top Ice Cream/Custard category.

SOURCE Rita's Franchise Company

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