Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer

Rita’s Italian Ice raises $545K for pediatric cancer research

Rita's Italian Ice's sixth annual partnership with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation raised a total of $545,000 through in-store paper lemon sales. The money will go toward pediatric cancer research.

From June 1 through June 30, more than 550 Rita's locations asked guests to donate $1 for a paper lemon to raise money for the charity. Additionally, new for 2011, guests had the option to Text-To-Donate a one-time $5 donation.

The franchise partner with the greatest contribution was the Boyertown, Pa. store, which raised $20,105.

"We are so proud of our Rita's Franchise Partners and grateful to our guests for making this program possible," said Jim Rudolph, chairman of the board and CEO, Rita's Italian Ice. "The entire Rita's family is committed to supporting ALSF and year after year our guests show that they are as well."

To add to the fundraising efforts, some franchisees held raffles, head shaving pledge drives and even a parking lot exercise class, with all proceeds going to the stores' ALSF funds.

Rita's presented a check for the donation to the ALSF team and hero families at Cool University, their training store.

About Rita’s Franchise Company

Rita’s Franchise Company, headquartered in Trevose, PA, is the largest Italian Ice concept in the nation, currently operating in 18 states with more than 550 stores. Rita’s brand promise is Ice, Custard and Happiness. The chain offers a variety of frozen treats including its famous Italian Ice, Old Fashioned Frozen Custard, and layered Gelati, healthy Light Line treat options as well as its signature Misto and Blendini creations. Rita’s was named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal’s ‘Startup Journal.’ In a 2009 Zagat survey of over 6,000 fast-food fans, Rita’s was ranked #2 in the Top Ice Cream/Custard category. For more information about Rita’s, please call 1-800-677-RITA or visit www.ritasice.com.  The world needs more Rita’s!