Austaco Ltd., a franchisee of Taco Bell, has announced that its six-year fundraising efforts have produced a contribution of more than a half-million dollars for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Central Texas (LLS). As the Title Sponsor of the LLS Light the Night Walk from 2004 to 2009, Austaco raised funds by selling paper balloons in their Taco Bell locations and through corporate giving.
Austaco Ltd.'s Taco Bell stores capped a recent six-week fundraising effort by presenting a check for $140,000 during this year's Light the Night Walk, held at the Mueller Development in Austin, Texas, on Oct 24. Twenty-five hundred walkers joined in the festivities, raising more than $385,000 for the Light the Night Walk. The funds will contribute to lifesaving blood cancer research, financial assistance to cover patient expenses, free educational materials and events for patients and their families, and local programs geared toward saving the lives of people with blood cancer.
"The Light the Night Walk means different things to different people wanting to pay tribute and bring hope to those fighting cancer; not only is this a cause close to my own heart, but it's also a way to support the work of researchers trying to find better therapies and cures for different forms of cancer," said Dirk Dozier, CEO and president of Austaco and the 2009 Honorary Walk Chair.
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Annual Light the Night Walk brings communities, families and friends together for one night dedicated to bringing help and hope to people battling blood cancers. Each fall, teams of friends, families and co-workers gather around the nation to fund the critical dollars and services that are needed for the 900,000 people across America who are dealing with blood cancers.
Austaco Ltd., founded in 1968, is owned by Dirk and Katie Dozier. With more than 75 Taco bells throughout the Central Texas region, Austaco is committed to their motto: 'Here to Serve,' by operating on the principles of hospitality, quality, service and cleanliness and by taking care of their employees, customers and community.
