News

Rita's raises $300K in fight against childhood cancer

July 29, 2014

Rita's Italian Ice announced today it raised $300,000 for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to fighting childhood cancer.

 A check presentation will take place July 30 at Rita's Cool Support Center, in Trevose, Pa., with Liz & Jay Scott, Alex's parents and co-executive directors of ALSF.

The funds were raised throughout the month of June. Thousands of guests from Rita's locations across the country contributed to the fundraiser by adding their name to a paper lemon for $1. According to a news release, the funds will go toward Rita's "Fund of Hope," a travel fund endowment that will help families with children battling cancer travel to receive the treatment. Rita's has donated more than $3.9 million throughout the past 9 years.

"We're proud to support ALSF and the fight against childhood cancer for our 9th year in a row," CEO Jeff Moody said in the release. "The support toward ALSF from Rita's Guests, Franchisees and Treat Team Members this past June was simply amazing, and I am thrilled to present ALSF with $300,000 on behalf of the entire Rita's community." 

In honor of the ALSF's namesake, the late Alexandra "Alex" Scott, Rita's renamed its Lemon Italian Ice flavor—"Alex's Lemonade."  Lemon is one of the brand's original Italian Ice flavors.