Dunkin’ Donuts store owners, employees, suppliers, and loyal customers in New England raised more than $715,000 for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Jimmy Fund through proceeds generated from the 12th Annual Dunkin’ Donuts George Mandell Memorial Golf Tournament and Auction held on August 10. The event, organized by Dunkin’ Donuts Northeast Distribution Center (NEDCP) and held at the International Golf Club in Bolton, Massachusetts, has historically been one of the Jimmy Fund’s highest-grossing fund-raising tournaments nationwide.
Through 2008, Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees and vendors in the Northeast donated more than $7.3 million to specifically fund the work of the “Rising Stars” physicians at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI).
The $715,000 donated in 2009 and all fund-raising activities moving forward will now benefit “The Dunkin’ Donuts ‘Right Cures Rid Cancer’ Research Fund.” This new program supports the Center for Clinical and Translational Research at Dana Farber where doctors lead research and testing to better understand and treat disease based upon each individual’s cancer. The program emphasizes academic and industry collaborations to ensure that the most promising and innovative technologies move rapidly to the medical marketplace and patient care.
This year, canister contributions made by consumers at participating Dunkin’ Donuts shops totaled more than $16,000 and were also included in the total via a check presented from the Dunkin’ Donuts Community Foundation.
“This event is successful every year through the generosity of our franchisees, vendors, Dunkin’ Brands, and DCP employees,” says David Liguori, tournament chairman and COO of Dunkin’ Donuts National DCP. “The addition of generous consumer contributions in 2009 marks the start of an integrated opportunity for future fund-raising growth. Despite challenging economic times, there is a distinct passion for the Jimmy Fund and the cause it represents. The tragedy of cancer is pervasive and we want to contribute in any way that we can to help Dana Farber Cancer Institute find a cure for this horrible disease.”
“The commitment by Dunkin’ Donuts is extraordinary and vitally important to the work of Dana Farber,” says Nancy Rowe, director of the Jimmy Fund Golf Program. “We are grateful for their continued devotion to the Jimmy Fund.”
The Dunkin’ Donuts George Mandell Memorial Golf Tournament began in 1998 in honor of George Mandell, a Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee who died of cancer. Today, the tournament continues with momentum paying tribute to members of the Dunkin’ Donuts community who have since lost their lives to cancer and celebrating those who have been treated and are now on their way to being cancer-free.
