White Castle customers and team members raised $500,100 for Autism Speaks by selling puzzle pieces for one month in more than 400 restaurants. The 12-state campaign ran from July 22 through Aug. 18 and set a campaign record for a third straight year.
By purchasing an Autism Speaks Puzzle Piece for $1, customers supported the research and advocacy organization for autism.
"We've seen a 16-percent increase in puzzle piece purchases compared to 2011," said Jamie Richardson, vice president of White Castle. "We're fortunate that our Cravers and team members have such a strong commitment to our company and support an organization that we care about. It's because of our generous customers and hamburger heroes that we raised more than a half-million dollars this year."
Cravers purchased 500,100 puzzle pieces this year. In 2011, the number was 435,000 and in 2010 Cravers bought 384,000 puzzle pieces.
Since 2010, White Castle has donated $1,819,100 to Autism Speaks from multiple fundraising efforts such as the puzzle piece campaign and the sales of the Original Slider candle.
White Castle also held an internal contest for team members. The top three fundraising employees are invited to Columbus, Ohio, for dinner at the president and CEO of White Castle, Bill Ingram's house and get to participate in Walk Now for Autism Speaks. The top five team members are participating in Comedy Central's "Night of Too Many Stars" telethon in October. According to Comedy Central's website, "Night of Too Many Stars" benefits a variety of autism programs across the country.
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