CARPINTERIA, Calif. — CKE Restaurants Inc. is kicking off its fifth annual Pink Star Fundraiser for Breast Cancer with hopes to reach its $1 million goal during the four-week campaign. Last year, customers at the company's Carl's Jr. and Hardee's restaurants donated $900,000. The fundraiser will begin today at Hardee's and April 22 at Carl's Jr. and will conclude May 17.
"We know we've set a lofty fundraising goal this year given the current state of the economy, but we strongly believe in being an advocate for those issues affecting our customers, our employees and their families," said Andrew F. Puzder, chief executive officer of CKE Restaurants.
The program has grown exponentially since 2005 when it was initiated by the Star Franchise Association, the Carl's Jr. franchise organization. Carl's Jr. company-owned restaurants came on board in 2006 and Hardee's joined the charitable program in 2007. The Pink Star program collectively raised more than $650,000 in 2007, increasing that number to more than $900,000 in the 2008 campaign. The 2009 event will have the participation of more than 3,100 Carl's Jr. and Hardee's restaurants nationwide, all with the common goal to raise money and awareness.
During the campaign, guests are encouraged to purchase a commemorative pink Happy Star cutout for $1. After personalizing their star with their name or adding a brief message, guests receive coupons to use toward future visits valued at more than $10. All of the campaign printed materials are donated by Carl's Jr. and Hardee's supplier, SynqSolutions Inc. of Atlanta.
