Applebee’s Marks Seven Years and $2.4 million in Support for Pediatric Cancer Research
NEWTOWN, PA, August 23, 2011– Today, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar and Corner Bakery Cafe announced they have raised more than $367,000 to benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s effort to combat pediatric cancer. This marks the seventh anniversary of the annual summer fundraising campaign, which has raised over $2.4 million to date for Alex’s Lemonade Stand, an organization that was founded in memory of Alex Scott, who dedicated her short life battling childhood cancer “one cup of lemonade at a time.”
The fundraiser, which was held July 5 through August 7, included 94 Applebee’s restaurants and four Corner Bakery Cafes and was sponsored by The Rose Group, Apple American Group, and Apple By The Bay, three successful owners and operators of the Applebee’s brand.
“As a long time supporter of Alex’s Lemonade Stand, it is great to know that the communities we serve are willing to dig deep to help this wonderful organization,” said Jeff Warden, CEO of The Rose Group. “It’s an honor to be able to donate to such an important cause and help children fight against cancer.”
Applebee’s guests who donated $5 toward the charity were entered in a contest to win free Applebee’s meals for a year and $5 off their next Carside order. Local restaurants went above and beyond by hosting various events, including in-restaurant lemonade stands, contests, yard sales, family fun days, and more.
“It is amazing to think that this all started with a simple lemonade stand in our front yard,” said Liz Scott, Alex’s mom and co-founder of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. “Without the committed support and fundraising efforts from organizations such as Applebee’s, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
To learn more or to make a donation to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation directly, please visit http://www.alexslemonade.org/.
About The Rose Group
The Rose Group, headquartered in Newtown, PA, is the 34th largest restaurant franchise company in the United States. They currently own and operate 59 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar restaurants in eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and Delaware. The company is the first franchisee for Corner Bakery Cafe, operating four cafes in Eastern Pennsylvania. The Rose Group also co-owns and operates two Shannon Rose restaurants, an independent Irish pub and restaurant in North Jersey. More information on The Rose Group can be found on their website at www.therosegroup.com.
About Apple American Groupowns and operates 270 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar restaurants in California, Delaware, Indiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. With over 16,000 employees, Apple American is the largest franchisee in the Applebee’s system, the largest U.S. casual dining franchisee, and the second largest franchisee of any concept in the U.S. More information is available at www.appleamerican.com.
About Apple By The Bay
Apple By The Bay is headquartered in San Jose, CA and currently owns and operates 12 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar restaurants throughout Northern and Central California.
About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004). 2010 marks 11 years since 4-year-old Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of volunteers across the country carrying on her legacy of hope. To date, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $40 million towards fulfilling Alex’s dream of finding a cure, funding over 150 research projects nationally.
###
