Rita's Partners with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to Put a Squeeze on Childhood Cancer

TREVOSE, Pa., June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Rita's Franchise Company, (http://www.ritasice.com) the nation's largest Italian Ice concept, today announced the start of its fifth consecutive paper lemon promotion to raise funds for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) to further pediatric cancer research.

From June 1 through June 30, Rita's guests can help put a squeeze on childhood cancer at any of Rita's 550+ locations by purchasing a paper lemon through a $1 donation. Guests can personalize their paper lemons, which will then be proudly displayed as a part of the local store's "Wall of Hope," a visual tribute to their community's participation in the fundraiser.

Additionally, Rita's will be partnering with Just Born, Inc., makers of MIKE & IKE® Lemonade Blends® candies and proud supporters of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.  After donating $1, each Rita's Guest will receive a free sample pack of MIKE & IKE® Lemonade Blends® candies, while supplies last.

"We are honored to work with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation and are overwhelmed each year by the tremendous support we receive from our guests, treat team members, franchise partners and staff," said Jim Rudolph, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Rita's Franchise Company. "This is a cause that we hold very dear to our hearts and we are dedicated to helping the children and families affected by pediatric cancer."

"The generosity of Rita's, the franchise partners, the treat team members and the guests is amazing and inspiring," said Jay Scott, Alex's father and Executive Director of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. "They are changing the world for childhood cancer patients $1 at a time."

In 2006, Rita's Italian Ice officially became a corporate partner of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. In honor of the Foundation's namesake, the late Alexandra "Alex" Scott, Rita's officially renamed its Lemon Ice flavor -- "Alex's Lemonade." Since becoming a corporate sponsor of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, Rita's has raised more than $2 million for pediatric cancer research and is the Foundation's leading corporate donor.

About Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation: emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra "Alex" Scott (1996-2004).  At the age of 4, Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of volunteers across the country carrying on her legacy of hope. To date, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $30 million towards fulfilling Alex's dream of finding a cure, funding over 100 research projects nationally.  For more information visit www.AlexsLemonade.org

About Rita's Franchise Company

Rita's Franchise Company, headquartered in Trevose, Pa., is the largest Italian Ice concept in the nation, currently operating in 18 states with more than 550 stores. Rita's brand promise is Ice, Custard and Happiness. The chain offers a variety of frozen treats including its famous Italian Ice, Old Fashioned Frozen Custard, and layered Gelati, Light Line™ treat options as well as its signature Misto® and Blendini™ creations. Rita's was named one of the Top 25 Franchise High Performers by the Wall Street Journal's 'Startup Journal.' In a 2009 Zagat survey of over 6,000 fast-food fans, Rita's was ranked #2 in the Top Ice Cream/Custard category.  The World Needs More Rita's! For more information, please visit www.ritasice.com

SOURCE Rita's Franchise Company