Friendly’s Kicks Off 29th Annual Fundraiser for Easter Seals

‘Cones for Kids’ Campaign to Support Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s

Wakefield, RI  On Monday January 11th the Friendly Ice Cream Corporation launches its 29th annual ‘Cones for Kids’ campaign. The Valentine’s Day fundraiser will benefit Easter Seals Camp programs across the country. The 2010 campaign goal to raise more than $1 million will benefit roughly 30 Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s program locations.

Since 1981, ‘Cones for Kids’ has been a winter tradition up-and-down the East Coast. Each year, employees across the restaurant chain help change the lives of thousands of children with disabilities through their efforts raising nearly $26 million to date; more than $680,000 in 2009 alone.

Friendly’s provides restaurant guests with five Valentine’s Day cards, redeemable for free Friendly’s Kid Cones plus a $5 off a $25 purchase coupon for parents. The campaign runs through February 13, 2010.

Friendly’s is also unveiling it’s ‘Camp Friendly’s Sundae’ a tasty ‘campfire’ made of ice cream! You won’t want to pass up this new treat that includes three scoops of chocolate ice cream, Oreo® brownie logs that ‘burn’ over whipped topping and red and yellow sugar sprinkles, and pretzel sticks to ‘roast’ and dip marshmallows in Friendly’s famous hot fudge.

“Friendly’s is proud to be holding another ‘Cones for Kids’ campaign to raise funds for Easter Seals Camping Programs,” says Ned Lidvall, President and CEO, Friendly Ice Cream Corporation, and Member of Easter Seals National Board of Directors. “‘Cone’s for Kids’ is good for business and we know that our contributions to Easter Seals make it possible for children with disabilities to have a great summer camp experience.”

Funds raised will support Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s programs essential to building a sense of independence and accomplishment. Camp provides an opportunity for kids with disabilities to be included in regular camp activities like, boating and canoeing, swimming, archery, ropes courses, horseback riding, hiking, basketball and fishing.
 
“Friendly’s employees are dedicated to making this campaign a continued success, doing everything they can to engage restaurant guests and local communities in our cause,” Larry Gammon, President & CEO, Easter Seals RI. “It’s fitting that each year around Valentine’s Day, ‘Cones for Kids’ helps so many children and adults with disabilities. The program truly represents the heart of Friendly’s, and it is the cornerstone of our two organizations’ 29-year-strong partnership.”

About Friendly Ice Cream Corporation
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 and mid-Atlantic region.  The company also manufactures ice cream, which is distributed through more than 4,000 supermarkets and other retail locations. With a 74-year operating history, Friendly's enjoys strong brand recognition and is currently revitalizing its restaurants and introducing new products to grow its customer base. To find a Friendly’s near you, visit http://www.friendlys.com/

About Easter Seals
Easter Seals provides exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. For more information about Easter Seals RI, please visit http://www.eastersealsri.org/.

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