Qdoba Mexican Grill was recently honored as Corporate Partner of the Year by the American Red Cross for its commitment to supporting the organization’s effort to provide lifesaving blood to patients in need. The award was presented by the American Red Cross Massachusetts Region at the group’s Annual Meeting.
The annual meeting was attended by members of the Red Cross board of directors, Red Cross staff, and community leaders to recognize outstanding donors and sponsors who have made an impact on blood collections in Massachusetts throughout the year. Jeff Ackerman, president and CEO of Chair 5 Restaurants, the Massachusetts Qdoba franchisee, was on hand to accept the award.
“Qdoba has always been passionate about supporting charitable organizations and events in our community, so it only made sense to partner with the American Red Cross, which plays such an important role in our region’s blood donation, disaster relief, health and safety instructing, and youth mentoring efforts,” Ackerman says. “We’re honored to be recognized by this truly prestigious organization that has positively changed the lives of millions of people and families across the globe.”
Over the last year, Qdoba has supported a number of American Red Cross events and initiatives including the September 11th Day of Remembrance Blood Drive at Fenway Park and City Hall. Qdoba donated a taco bar and chips and salsa for the Red Cross’ 100-person staff at Fenway, and provided all blood donors with food and coupons. In addition, Qdoba helped promote the blood drive by prominently displaying banners in some of their high-traffic Boston locations including Kenmore Square. Qdoba also leveraged their social media networks including Twitter and Facebook to reach consumers and raise awareness for the event. At the Bob’s Discount Furniture $100,000 High School Heroes Blood Drive at Gillette Stadium, Qdoba also provided Red Cross staff with lunchtime and dinnertime taco bars, as well as chips and salsa and coupons for blood donors.
“The American Red Cross is so pleased to honor Qdoba Mexican Grill for their commitment to blood collection in Massachusetts,” says Guanah Davis, CEO of the American Red Cross Massachusetts Region. “The Red Cross is a crucial supplier of blood products in our area and throughout the country, and we are always in need of corporate partners to support our most important mission. Qdoba was quick to answer that call.”
