CKE Restaurants Inc. has reached its goal of raising $1 million for breast cancer programs and awareness through its "Pink Star" fundraising campaign. During the three-week, in-store fundraiser that began in April, guests at Carl's Jr. and Hardee's restaurants across the United States donated to the campaign in support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).
For each $1 donation, restaurant guests received a commemorative pink Happy Star to personalize and place on a restaurant lobby display. Guests also received coupons to use toward future visits. SynqSolutions Inc. of Atlanta donated the cost of all printed materials related to the Pink Star program.
The donation from this year's event will represent the single largest one-time gift given to the NBCF. The donation is slated to fund the NBCF's National Mammography Program, which impacts 43 states across the country by providing free mammograms to underserved women.
"Despite our country's economic situation, Carl's Jr. and Hardee's loyal customers gave generously in support of breast cancer awareness and the National Breast Cancer Foundation," said Andrew F. Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants, parent company of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's. "It is truly a testament to the generosity of our customers, the dedication of our employees and the commitment of our franchisees. We are very proud of all of our restaurants, both company and franchise, whose enthusiasm over the past five years made it possible to reach for and achieve our $1 million fundraising goal."
The Pink Star program was initiated in 2005 by the Carl's Jr. franchise body, the Star Franchise Association, and raised $175,000. Within five years, the total amount raised is now over $3.1 million. This year's tremendous donation was made possible by the efforts of more than 3,100 Carl's Jr. and Hardee's franchise- and company-operated restaurants across the country.
