Industry News | September 18, 2012
Subway Development Corp Raises $330,000 for Diabetes
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The staff of the McLean, Virginia–based Subway Development Corporation of Washington (SDC), takes pride in giving back to its communities. As members of the Subway team, charity plays a big role in the culture of the world’s largest restaurant chain.
A check for $330,000 was recently presented to the American Diabetes Association by members of SDC at its 15th annual Charity Golf Tournament, where proceeds from the event also benefited the Association.
“Thanks go out to Subway Development Corporation of Washington, all their franchisees, and store-level teams in Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Delaware for their hard work and generous donation,” says Greg Elfers, chief field development officer of the American Diabetes Association.
“The Association thanks Subway and salutes them for offering a healthier, low-carbohydrate, and lower-calorie option for people with diabetes,” he continues. “Having their support will help bring much-needed awareness to our cause and mission. We appreciate their commitment which will help people lead healthier lives.”
This is the second year that the regional development office for the Subway chain has made the American Diabetes Association its charity of choice, bringing its total giving amount to $630,000.
The majority of the donation was raised from the sale of “Stop Diabetes Hands,” where customers visiting area Subway restaurants could make a $1 donation to the Association and receive a pin-up Stop Diabetes hand.
More than 1,100 Subway restaurants across the region participated.
“Our support of the ADA just makes sense. So many people have diabetes or are pre-diabetic, and Subway is well known for healthier options,” says David Dickerson, vice president of operations for SDC. “But I believe that it is also important for people living with diabetes to know that they can get a diabetes-friendlier meal that fits their dietary requirements at our restaurants in the region.”
In addition to the pin-up campaign and golf tournament, SDC supports the Association’s signature fundraising events that are held in the Washington, D.C., area, including the National Capital Tour de Cure fundraiser held every June and the National Capital Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes held every October.
Subway restaurants in select markets have also introduced their “Diabetes Friendlier Meal Choices” to ensure a variety of options for millions of customers with diabetes. This menu option allows customers to have the bread “scooped out” on the lower-fat sandwich choices, further reducing the amount of calories and carbohydrates consumed.
QSR® magazine has always found space to report on the charitable works and deeds of members of the foodservice community. But recently it became important to us to step up our efforts, and the decision was made to consolidate these stories in one place so you, the reader, could easily learn about what the industry is doing when it comes to giving back.
Our hope is that these pages will inspire and motivate you to take up your own cause—whatever that might be—to make our world a better place.
Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's International, told readers in the very first issue of QSR magazine that "Profit is not a dirty word." But Thomas also worked tirelessly for the many charitable causes that touched his life. In so doing, he proved that running a successful business extends beyond the bottom line and that the real rewards in life are measured in a currency far greater than the dollar.
So let these stories inspire you to find your cause, if you haven't already done so. We encourage you to let us know what you're doing, so that others might follow your lead, pickup your cause, and contribute in ever more positive ways to our communities and lives.
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The U.S. Congress has under consideration a bill that would provide $150 million for childhood cancer research. CureSearch offers an easy email template to write your federal representatives in support of this bill. It may be the most rewarding five minutes you spend today.
