A Pennsylvania-based franchisee of Corner Bakery Café and Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar announced it raised more than $1.6 million for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). The event was led by franchisee the Rose Group and its partner Apple American Group. The companies raised support for the foundation, which benefits pediatric cancer research in memory of Alex Scott.
“For the past five years, the Rose Group and Apple American Group have made it a priority to bring Alex’s dream to life,” says Harry T. Rose, chairman and CEO of the Rose Group. “And with every year that passes, we’ve come that much closer to helping cure pediatric cancer. Raising $1.6 million is no small feat and with the environment we’re in, this really speaks to the commitment of our neighborhoods and everyone involved who took the time to make a difference in a child’s life.”
This year participating Applebee’s restaurants donated 25 cents from every glass of lemonade sold to ALSF. Guests who donated $5 toward the charity were entered in a contest to win free Applebee’s meals for a year. Local restaurants did their part by hosting various events, including in-restaurant lemonade stands, contests, carnivals, and car washes. Corner Bakery Cafe restaurants raised more than $1,000 each by selling $1 paper lemons during the five-week initiative. Additionally, both restaurants accepted donations from individuals who just wanted to help support the cause.
“The Rose Group and Apple American Group continue to amaze us year after year with their commitment and dedication,” says Liz Scott, Alex’s mother. “Looking at how this all started with Alex and a lemonade stand in our front yard, it is absolutely incredible to see where we are today and the support we’ve received. Our heartfelt thanks go out to them for their support over the past five years.”
Overall, each store raised 125 percent of what they collected during the fundraiser last year with in-store promotions.
“So many restaurants and communities went above and beyond expectations this year,” Rose says. “It’s inspiring what we all can do when we work together.”
Starting in 2005 with more than 100 restaurants in southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, Delaware, Baltimore, Wilkes Barre/Scranton, and the Lehigh Valley, the Rose Group and Apple American have worked for five years on this fundraiser. With the help of corporate sponsors and thousands of individual stands nationwide, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation has funded more than 100 research projects at more than 40 institutions across the country.
