News

Rita's Italian Ice ready to tackle pediatric cancer

June 5, 2013

Rita's Italian Ice today kicks off its annual Paper Lemon Fundraising Campaign and eighth annual partnership with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), a national nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for kids with cancer. The campaigns run through June 18 and all Rita's Ice outlets will encourage guests to donate $1 for a paper lemon to raise money for the charity.

The lemons will be used to build a "Wall of Hope," a visual tribute to the community's participation in the fundraiser, at each Rita's Ice location.

Since 2006, Rita's has been a corporate partner of ALSF and implemented the paper lemon campaign to help raise funds for pediatric cancer research. In honor of the foundation's namesake, the late Alexandra "Alex" Scott, Rita's renamed its Lemon Ice flavor — "Alex's Lemonade." Lemon, one of Rita's original flavor offerings when the company was established in 1984, is one of the company's most popular flavors.

Last year's Paper Lemon Fundraising Campaign generated more than $350,000 in donations. Throughout the past seven years, Rita's has collectively raised more than $3.5 million for pediatric cancer research.

"We couldn't be more proud of our Rita's Franchisees and their Treat Team's efforts in raising funds and awareness for children battling cancer," said Jonathan Fornaci, president, Rita's Italian Ice. "This year we hope our Paper Lemon Fundraising Campaign raises even more money for the fight against childhood cancer."

Fornaci added that the new goal is to raise $1 million throughout the next two years.

This year, Rita's has established "Rita's Fund of Hope," which will ensure that the travel needs of families whose children are battling cancer are met.

Read more about cause marketing and promotions.