Chicago, January 3, 2012 – This week, Friendly Ice Cream Corporation launches its 31st annual ‘Cones for Kids’ campaign. The Valentine’s Day fundraiser will benefit 30 Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s programs.
For a $1 donation, Friendly’s provides restaurant guests with five Valentine’s Day cards, redeemable for free Friendly’s Kids Cones. The campaign runs January 2 through February 13, 2012.
Funds raised will support Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s programs essential to building a sense of independence and accomplishment for thousands of children annually. Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s provides an opportunity for kids with disabilities to be included in regular camp activities like, boating and canoeing, swimming, archery, ropes courses, horseback riding, hiking, basketball and fishing.
Celebrating More Than 30 Years of Cones for Kids
Friendly’s successful ‘Cones for Kids’ campaign is an annual tradition where guests and employees across the restaurant chain help change the lives of thousands of children with disabilities through their efforts. The campaign has raised more than $27 million to date — more than $675,000 in 2011 alone — to benefit Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s program locations across the country. “Friendly’s is committed to engaging its employees, restaurant guests and local communities in our cause,” said James E. Williams, Jr., president and chief executive officer, Easter Seals. “‘Cones for Kids’ is the cornerstone of our 31-year-strong partnership.”
Andrea McKenna, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Friendly’s said, “We are proud to be partnering with Easter Seals once again. Our guests and restaurant teams always look forward to this program and we thank them for their enthusiasm. The ‘Cones for Kids’ cards that guests receive for their donation are always a big hit.”
About Friendly Ice Cream Corporation
Friendly Ice Cream Corporation is a vertically integrated restaurant company serving signature sandwiches, entrees and ice cream desserts in a friendly, family environment with system-wide sales of $700 million and distribution through over 7,500 retail locations. For over 75 years, Friendly’s has been delighting guests. Plans are currently underway to revitalize the restaurants and introduce new products to meet today’s customer’s needs. For additional information please visit www.friendlys.com.
About Easter Seals
Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For more than 90 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play. Support children and adults with disabilities at www.easterseals.com.