Rita’s Italian Ice announced its annual Paper Lemon Fundraising Campaign and seventh annual partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), a national nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for all kids with cancer.
Beginning June 1 and continuing through June 30, all Rita’s Ice locations will encourage guests to donate $1 for a paper lemon to raise money for the charity. The lemons will be used to build a “Wall of Hope,” a visual tribute to the community’s participation in the fundraiser, at each Rita’s Ice location.
Since 2006, Rita’s has been a corporate partner of ALSF and implemented the paper lemon campaign to help raise funds for pediatric cancer research, one Lemon Ice at a time.
In honor of the Foundation’s namesake, the late Alexandra “Alex” Scott, Rita’s renamed its Lemon Ice flavor “Alex’s Lemonade.” Lemon, one of Rita’s original flavor offerings when the company was established in 1984, is still one of the company’s most popular flavors.
Last year’s Paper Lemon Fundraising Campaign generated more than a half a million dollars in donations, one of the largest amounts Rita’s has raised since the partnership began. Over the past six years, Rita’s has collectively raised more than $3 million for pediatric cancer research, becoming the leading corporate fundraising partner for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
“We couldn’t be more proud of our Rita’s Franchisees and their Treat Team’s efforts in raising funds and awareness for children battling cancer,” says Jonathan Fornaci, president, Rita’s Italian Ice. “This year we hope our Paper Lemon Fundraising Campaign raises even more money for the fight against childhood cancer.”
This month-long fundraiser is especially significant to each individual franchisee, as they engage their local communities to support the cause. In the past, this has included special activities such as “celebrity scoopers” and head shavings with pediatric cancer patients and prominent community leaders.
“We are continuously amazed by the ongoing support Rita's Franchise Company has provided to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundationover the past six years," says Jay Scott, Alex's father and executive director of ALSF. "By enlisting the support of their guests, Rita’s helps to continue our daughter's legacy and allows us to take strides toward finding a cure for all children with cancer."
