Friendly’s Ice Cream Teams Up with the American Red Cross to Boost the Blood Supply across the Northeast Division This July

June 30, 2010 (Wilbraham, MA) – The American Red Cross and Friendly’s Ice Cream, a full-service family dining chain of more than 500 restaurants, are partnering to help ensure that blood is available for patients in need this July. Donors who come out to donate this month will enjoy a sweet treat courtesy of Friendly’s.

Everyone who comes in to donate blood at a Red Cross blood drive in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Northeastern Pennsylvania and parts of New York during July will receive a coupon for a free* carton of Friendly’s ice cream, redeemable at participating Friendly’s restaurants.

By providing this special offer to blood donors throughout the Northeast, Friendly’s is helping to boost the community blood supply in seven states this July. The summertime is a traditionally challenging time for blood collection because schools are out of session and hot weather or summer vacations can keep people from donating. This promotion comes at the same time Friendly’s is celebrating its 75th anniversary on July 18th.

“The American Red Cross is thrilled to partner with Friendly’s during July, it’s one of the most difficult months for collecting blood,” says Donna M. Morrissey, Director of Public Relations and Corporate Affairs, American Red Cross – Northeast Division. “The need for blood is constant and because of Friendly’s generous support, the Red Cross will be better able to provide lifesaving blood for patients in need.”

“The American Red Cross is a wonderful organization, and we are honored to partner with them on this project,” says Ned Lidvall, Chief Executive Officer and President, Friendly Ice Cream Corporation. “Since life-saving blood supplies are at their lowest level in the summer and ice cream is the perfect summer treat, we believe our partnership makes great sense. We encourage everyone who is able to come out and donate blood at their local blood drive.”

Blood is used for patients undergoing many surgical procedures, organ transplants, trauma and chemotherapy. For some patients, such as the victim of an automobile accident, the need for blood is sudden. For others, ongoing transfusions are needed to sustain medical treatment.

The Red Cross holds blood drives in communities seven days a week. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS or log onto redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive near you and schedule an appointment to donate. It’s a pint of blood for you, but for another it could be a life saved.

* Donors may need to pay tax on the retail cost of the ice cream, where applicable.

About Friendly’s Ice Cream:
Friendly Ice Cream Corporation is a vertically integrated restaurant company serving signature sandwiches, entrees and ice cream desserts in a friendly, family environment in more than 500 company and franchised restaurants throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Region. The company also manufactures ice cream, which is distributed through more than 4,000 supermarkets and other retail locations. With a 75-year operating history, Friendly’s enjoys strong brand recognition and is currently revitalizing its restaurants and introducing new products to grow its customer base. For additional information, please visit friendlys.com.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross has been a primary supplier of lifesaving blood products in the United States for more than 50 years. The American Red Cross Blood Services – Northeast Division must distribute approximately 3,000 units of blood each day just to meet the basic needs of area patients. To donate blood and platelets through the American Red Cross, individuals must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. The states of Maine, Massachusetts and New York allow those who are 16 years of age to donate blood with parental consent. For additional information regarding donor eligibility, please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.