For Immediate Release

Media Contacts:
Cindy Metzger, Easter Seals
P: 312.551.7144
www.easterseals.com/media

Lynn Bolton, Friendly’s Ice Cream, LLC
P: 413.731.4239
www.friendlys.com

Friendly’s Announces 32nd Annual ‘Cones for Kids’ Campaign for Easter Seals

Fundraiser to Support Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s

(Chicago, January 14, 2013) -- This week, Friendly’s Ice Cream, LLC launches its 32nd 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 and a buy-one-get-one free adult entrée certificate. The campaign runs January 14 through February 14, 2013.

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 $460,000 in 2012 alone -- to benefit Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s program locations across the country.

“Friendly’s is committed to engaging its employees, restaurant guests and local communities in our cause,” said James E. Williams, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, Easter Seals. “‘Cones for Kids’ is the cornerstone of our 32-year-strong partnership.” 

John M. Maguire, President and Chief Executive Officer of Friendly’s and Member of Easter Seals National Board of Directors said, “We are proud to partner with Easter Seals again this year. We know that contributions to Easter Seals make it possible for children with disabilities to have a great summer camp experience. Our guests and restaurant teams are excited to begin the 2013 campaign."

About Friendly’s Ice Cream LLC
Friendly’s Ice Cream, LLC is a vertically integrated restaurant company, with an iconic brand name, serving signature sandwiches, burgers and ice cream desserts in a friendly, family environment.  Together with its broad franchisee base, the company has system-wide sales of over $550 million and distribution through over 7,500 retail locations.  For 77 years, Friendly’s restaurants and dedicated service teams have delighted generations of guests.  For the future, Friendly’s has plans for new food and ice cream products, enhanced buildings, and new service channels.  For additional information please visit www.friendlys.com.

About Easter Seals
Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For more than 90 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. Support children and adults with disabilities at www.easterseals.com.