Friendly’s Announces 31st Annual ‘Cones for Kids’ Campaign for Easter Seals

Fundraiser to Support Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s

This week, Friendly’s Restaurants launched its 31st annual ‘Cones for Kids’ campaign. The Valentine’s Day fundraiser will benefit 30 Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s programs.

For a $1 donation, Friendly’s provides restaurant guests with five Valentine’s Day cards, redeemable for free Friendly’s Kids Cones. The campaign runs January 2 through February 13, 2012. There are Friendly’s located in Cranston, North Providence, Pawtucket and Westerly.

Funds raised will support Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s programs essential to building a sense of independence and accomplishment for thousands of children annually. Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s  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.

Celebrating More Than 30 Years of Cones for Kids
Friendly’s successful ‘Cones for Kids’ campaign is an annual tradition where guests and employees across the restaurant chain help change the lives of thousands of children with disabilities through their efforts. The campaign has raised more than $27 million to date -- more than $675,000 in 2011 alone -- to benefit Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s program locations across the country.

"Friendly's Cones for Kids event is a fun way for kids in Rhode Island to play an active role in the positive development of children faced with physical, mental and developmental challenges," said Larry Gammon, Easter Seals RI President & CEO, who noted that funds raised through the campaign will support Easter Seals Camp Friendly's programs. According to Gammon 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.

About Friendly’s Restaurants
Friendly’s is a vertically integrated restaurant company serving signature sandwiches, entrees and ice cream desserts in a friendly, family environment with system-wide sales of $700 million and distribution through over 7,500 retail locations. For over 75 years, Friendly’s has been delighting guests.  Plans are currently underway to revitalize the restaurants and introduce new products to meet today’s customer’s needs. For additional information please visit www.friendlys.com.

About Easter Seals
Since 2006, Easter Seals Rhode Island has provided exceptional services to ensure that all children with disabilities or special needs and their families have an equal opportunity to live, learn, work and play in their communities. Last year, Easter Seals Rhode Island served over 400 children through programs and services provided. For more information about Easter Seals Rhode Island, please call 401-284-1000 or visit www.eastersealsri.org.

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