News

Rita’s Italian Ice raises $545K for pediatric cancer research

July 17, 2011

Rita's Italian Ice's sixth annual partnership with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) raised a total of $545,000 through in-store paper lemon sales. The money will go toward pediatric cancer research.

From June 1 through June 30, more than 550 Rita's locations asked guests to donate $1 for a paper lemon to raise money for the charity. Additionally, new for 2011, guests had the option to Text-To-Donate a one-time $5 donation.

The franchise partner with the greatest contribution was the Boyertown, Pa. store, which raised $20,105.

"We are so proud of our Rita's Franchise Partners and grateful to our guests for making this program possible," said Jim Rudolph, chairman of the board and CEO, Rita's Italian Ice. "The entire Rita's family is committed to supporting ALSF and year after year our guests show that they are as well."

To add to the fundraising efforts, some franchisees held raffles, head shaving pledge drives and even a parking lot exercise class, with all proceeds going to the stores' ALSF funds.

Rita's will present a check for the donation to the ALSF team at an event later this month.