Hardee’s locations owned and operated by Boddie-Noell Enterprises (BNE) will raise funds this year for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) by participating in the Shamrocks Against Dystrophy campaign.
Beginning February 9 and ending March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, customers at participating restaurants across North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, and South Carolina will be encouraged to purchase a $1 green or a $5 gold Shamrock. To date, BNE has donated well over $1 million to the MDA since joining the campaign in 1999.
Once sold, the Shamrocks, including the customer’s signature, are hung for display in each restaurant to create a festive St. Patrick’s Day atmosphere. In exchange, each customer who purchases a Shamrock receives a coupon for a discount in the restaurant.
“MDA is proud of the continued partnership with Boddie-Noell Enterprises and Hardee’s,” says David Stephenson, director of business development for the Muscular Dystrophy Association in North Carolina and South Carolina. “Their teamwork and dedication demonstrates that great things can be accomplished through this noble effort.”
A portion of the total raised by BNE restaurants will help send children across North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, and South Carolina to local MDA summer camps this year. Offering a fun and safe outdoor experience, the camps give participants the opportunity to develop important life skills such as confidence, independence, and social ability.
“Our goal is to send as many children as possible to local MDA summer camps this year,” says Jerry Allsbrook, MDA national vice president and chief marketing officer for Boddie-Noell Enterprises. “Every year we’re amazed at the commitment of our employees and customers in supporting this fundraising event for children. We hope 2010 will be the best fundraiser to date for Hardee’s and Boddie-Noell.”
Annually, Boddie-Noell restaurants are one of the largest contributors to MDA in the Carolinas and in Virginia. Contributions collected during the fundraiser will also go to help with care for local children and adults affected by one of the 43 diseases for which the MDA provides treatment. The local services that the MDA provides include access to a national equipment loan program, assistance with durable medical equipment repairs, support groups, professional health education, and care at affiliated clinics at Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Roanoke Neurological Center, the Medical College of Virginia, and elsewhere.
