Easter Seals Disability Services

Friendly’s Makes Valentine’s Day an Extra Sweet Time of the Year
Cones for Kids Campaign Supports Easter Seals New York

(Rochester, NY) On January 5th, Friendly Ice Cream Corporation will launch its 28th Annual Valentine’s Day fundraiser to benefit children and adults with disabilities and other special needs.  Each year since 1981, Friendly’s employees and guests come together to improve the lives of people living with autism and other disabilities raising nearly $25 million to date for Easter Seals; over half a million dollars in 2008 alone.

From January 5th until February 13th, each Kessler Family Friendly’s Restaurant guest in Upstate NY who makes a $5 donation to Easter Seals New York, will receive a coupon book redeemable for three free kid’s meals or Happy Ending® Sundaes and a $5 off $25 purchase coupon. In addition, between January 26th and February 13th, by donating $1 guests may also receive five Valentine’s Day Cards, redeemable for five free kid’s ice cream cones and a coupon for $5 off on any $25 purchase.

 “Treating someone to ice cream is a great way to show you care” says David VanBlarcom, Vice President of Restaurant Operations for Kessler Family LLC.  “Cones for Kids allows you to spend time with loved ones while contributing to a great cause. Friendly’s is proud that this campaign supports Easter Seals New York’s incredibly important work in our community.”

Over the last nine years, Kessler Family Friendly’s Restaurants in Upstate NY demonstrated their commitment to Easter Seals New York, raising nearly $1 million dollars for the organization. In recognition of their support, Easter Seals New York recently honored Kessler Family LLC with the National Corporate Leadership Award in 2008.

The dollars raised through “Cones for Kids” supports comprehensive Easter Seals New York programs and services such as child development centers, a senior employment program, diagnostic and treatment services, and residential care facilities. This year, Friendly’s has launched Camp Friendly’s, an initiative to help children with special needs enjoy a great summer camp experience.

“Friendly’s is committed to engaging its employees, restaurant guests and local communities in our cause,” said John W. McGrath, MPA, Senior Vice President of Organizational Development for Easter Seals New York. “‘Cones for Kids’ is the cornerstone of our two organization’s 28-year-strong partnership.”
 

About Friendly’s

Kessler Family LLC is an affiliate of the Kessler Group, Inc., operating 46 Friendly’s Restaurants and 21 Burger King locations in Upstate New York. 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. The company also manufactures ice cream, which is distributed through more than 4,000 supermarkets and other retail locations. With a 73-year operating history, Friendly's enjoys strong brand recognition and is currently revitalizing its restaurants and introducing new products to grow its customer base. 

About Easter Seals

Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical and mental disabilities, and other special needs. For more than 85 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.