Friendly's 'Cones for Kids' nets $438K for Easter Seals

Nation's Restaurant News, April 29, 2002

WILBRAHAM, MASS. -- Friendly's Restaurants, based here, raised more than $438,000 for Easter Seals during its 21st annual Cones for Kids event. All 390 company-operated and 161 franchised locations across 17 states participated in the event.

The two-month, pre-spring fund-raiser, which lifted the chain's 21-year campaign total to more than $20 million, enticed guests to donate one dollar to Easter Seals in exchange for either a children's Valentine's Day card worth five free kids cones or an adult coupon booklet with $35 in savings.

During the campaign, city officials throughout the Eastern United States declared Friendly's "Cones for Kids" days in scores of communities.

"We're proud of our long-term partnership with Easter Seals," said Friendly's president and chief operating officer, John Cutter. "We've been able to help improve the lives of thousands of people with disabilities, and I'm honored to be part of an organization comprised of people committed to giving back to their communities."

Easter Seals' president and chief executive, James Williams, praised the Friendly's group's 20-plus-year commitment.

"Reaching $438,000 is quite an accomplishment given the present environment -- a real tribute to the Friendly's team," Williams said.