Annual Campaign Raises Over $675,000 for Easter Seals Camp Friendly's

CHICAGO, April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Friendly Ice Cream Corporation recently announced that its company-wide 'Cones for Kids' campaign raised more than $675,000 for Easter Seals Camp Friendly's, funding life-changing camp opportunities for children with disabilities. Friendly's has raised more than $27 million for Easter Seals since it began the 'Cones for Kids' campaign in 1981.

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"Friendly's caring and dedicated employees drive the continued success of the 'Cones for Kids' program," said James E. Williams, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, Easter Seals. "Each year, they engage restaurant guests and local communities in truly rallying around our cause. Their commitment to Easter Seals makes a real difference in the lives of the many children with autism and other disabilities our organization serves."

Funds raised through Friendly's 2011 'Cones for Kids' campaign will benefit 30 Easter Seals Camp Friendly's program locations. Easter Seals Camp Friendly's makes it possible for kids with disabilities to participate in regular camp activities like boating, canoeing, swimming, archery, ropes courses, horseback riding, hiking, basketball and fishing.

"For 30 years, Friendly's restaurant guests and employees have consistently embraced 'Cones for Kids,'" said Andrea McKenna, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Friendly Ice Cream Corporation. "Community involvement is important to both our guests and team members."

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 with system-wide sales of $700 million and distribution through more than 4,000 retail locations. With a 75-year operating history, Friendly's enjoys strong brand recognition and is currently revitalizing its restaurants and introducing new products to grow its customer base. 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 and mental 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 in their communities. Support children and adults with disabilities at www.easterseals.com or www.MaketheFirstFiveCount.org.

SOURCE Easter Seals