Auntie Anne’s Surpasses $3 Million in Donations to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

Since establishing a partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) in September 2011, Auntie Anne’s®, the world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise, has donated more than $3 million to fund childhood cancer research. Funds have been raised through in-store fundraising campaigns, coin canisters, local events, and the annual Auntie Anne’s C.A.R.E.S. Charity Golf Tournament. These donations have funded more than 60,000 hours of cancer research.

”When Anne Beiler started a pretzel stand in 1988, she said, ‘Caring for other people is the purpose of Auntie Anne’s,’” said Heather Neary, president of Auntie Anne’s. “Nearly thirty years later, that commitment to giving back in the communities where we work and live continues to motivate us. The success of our partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is a true testament to the hard work and dedicated service of our entire system, from corporate associates and franchisees to store managers and crew. We’re honored to help ALSF cure childhood cancer, one cup at a time.”

“For the last five years, Auntie Anne’s has been an invaluable partner in the fight against childhood cancer. We are always amazed by the commitment their customers and employees demonstrate in carrying out our daughter’s mission to find a cure,” said Liz Scott, Co-Executive Director of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and Alex’s mom. “Every dollar counts and gives hope to families desperately seeking cures.”

In 2016, Auntie Anne’s has raised nearly $700,000 for ALSF, including more than $520,000 during its in-store fundraising campaign over the summer. Guests who visited Auntie Anne’s between July 18 and September 11 could show their support in the fight to end childhood cancer by purchasing paper pretzel ribbon icons for $1. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the ribbons were donated to ALSF. As a token of appreciation to guests who helped “give hope” via the ribbon campaign, Auntie Anne’s provided a $1 off coupon for their next purchase of any pretzel product or drink.

An additional $35,000 was raised for ALSF during the 21st Annual Auntie Anne’s C.A.R.E.S. Charity Golf Tournament on July 21. The tournament featured more than 200 golfers and raised a total of $140,000 for four deserving organizations. Each organization, including ALSF, received $35,000. Since 1996, the tournament has raised more than $1.8 million for charitable organizations.