August 10, 2005
Dunkin' Donuts New England Franchisees Raise more than $1M for the
Jimmy Fund and Rising Stars Program in One Day
Franchise Owners have donated more than $4.4 million in 8 years
FRANKLIN, MA – Franchise owners for Dunkin' Donuts stores in New England raised more than $1,000,000 on Tuesday, Aug. 9, for the Rising Stars Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund. The proceeds were generated from the 8th Annual Dunkin' Donuts George Mandell Memorial Golf Tournament and auction. More than 250 golfers participated in the tournament and approximately 300 people attended the dinner/auction. This one-day event has become the highest grossing fundraising golf tournament for the Jimmy Fund.
"We're thrilled with the success of the event. This million dollar donation has been achieved through the generosity of our fellow franchisees, Dunkin' Brands, our vendor partners and our valued customers," said John Henderson, Dunkin' Donuts Northeast Distribution Center (DDNEDC) board chairman and tournament chairman. "We are proud supporters of the Jimmy Fund and are committed to funding cancer research through the Dunkin' Donuts Rising Stars Program at Dana-Farber."
The Dunkin' Donuts Rising Stars are doctors who conduct research on some of the toughest forms of cancer in the hopes of finding less toxic, more effective treatments and cures. Annual funding from Dunkin' Donuts gives these doctors the ability to pursue innovative, cutting-edge cancer research in order to obtain the results necessary for government backing.
"Our partnership with the Dunkin' Donuts franchisees is outstanding," said Fred DiGregorio of Jimmy Fund Golf. "It is just incredible what they have done and continue to do for us. Each year the relationship only grows stronger. We have a special place in our hearts for them."
In the past eight years, Dunkin' Donuts franchise owners have raised more than $4.4 million for the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber's Rising Stars Program. Their annual golf tournament and auction is held in honor of George Mandell, a fellow Dunkin' Donuts franchise owner who lost his battle to cancer in 1998.
"The strength of the Dunkin' Donuts family is remarkable," said Patty Healy, director of Marketing and Brand Relations at the Dunkin' Donuts Northeast Distribution Center. "Cancer has taken the lives of numerous franchisees, business partners, friends and family members within the Dunkin' Donuts community, including the Brand's founder, Bill Rosenberg. For this reason, the group is very passionate about its commitment to the search for cures."
