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Rita's donates $10K to Stuttering Foundation on behalf of American Idol finalist

March 15, 2013

On behalf of Rita's employee and top 10 American Idol finalist Lazaro Arbos, Rita's Italian Ice has donated $10,000 to the Stuttering Foundation.

The check was presented Thursday by Rita's chairman Tom Christopoul and accepted by Stuttering Foundation president Jane Fraser at the Naples, Fla., unit where Arbos worked prior to the show.

Jen Gibson, franchisee of Rita's Naples, served Arbos' favorite flavor, Rita's Strawberry Lemonade Ice, to the crowd who wore pink shirts that said, "Vote for Lazaro Arbos."

"We couldn't be more proud of Lazaro and we appreciate all Rita's fans who voted for him," said Tom Christopoul, chairman of Rita's Italian Ice, at the check presentation yesterday. "We encourage others like Lazaro to find their voice, and are pleased to donate $10,000 to the Stuttering Foundation on behalf of Lazaro Arbos in support of his determination and strength."

Arbos disclosed his severe stutter during his first audition for American Idol this season.

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