White Castle Sets Fundraising Record For Autism Speaks

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- White Castle Cravers and team members raised $500,100 for Autism Speaks by selling puzzle pieces for one month in over 400 restaurants. The 12-state campaign ran from July 22 through August 18 and set a campaign record for a third straight year. By purchasing an Autism Speaks Puzzle Piece for $1, Cravers supported the nation's largest research and advocacy organization for autism.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20030828/WHITECASTLELOGO)

"We've seen a 16 percent increase in puzzle piece purchases compared to 2011," said Jamie Richardson, vice president of White Castle. "We're fortunate that our Cravers and team members have such a strong commitment to our company and support an organization that we care about. It's because of our generous customers and hamburger heroes that we raised more than a half-million dollars this year."

Cravers purchased 500,100 puzzle pieces this year. In 2011, the number was 435,000 and in 2010 Cravers bought 384,000 puzzle pieces.

Since 2010, White Castle has donated $1,819,100 to Autism Speaks from multiple fundraising efforts like the puzzle piece campaign and the sales of the steam-grilled-on-a-bed-of-onions Original Slider® candle.

White Castle held an internal contest for team members. The top three fund raising Castles are invited to Columbus for dinner at the president and CEO of White Castle, Bill Ingram's house and get to participate in Walk Now for Autism Speaks in Columbus. The top five team members are participating in Comedy Central's "Night of Too Many Stars" telethon in October. According to Comedy Central's website, "Night of Too Many Stars" benefits a variety of autism programs across the country in support of the overabundance of individuals with autism that so desperately need quality services.

White Castle thanks all of the team members and Cravers who made the puzzle piece campaign a success in this short video.

Autism Speaks website explains that autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders. It's estimated that one in every 88 children is diagnosed with autism and more than two million people in the U.S. are affected by this biological disorder. Scientists have yet to determine a definite cause for autism.

About White Castle

White Castle is a family-owned business based in Columbus, Ohio that owns and operates more than 400 restaurants in 12 states. The company was founded in Wichita, Kansas in 1921 and is America's first fast-food hamburger chain. All White Castle Sliders are made from 100-percent USDA inspected beef. White Castle's new loyalty program, Craver Nation, launched in May. For more information on White Castle and Craver Nation, visit www.whitecastle.com and cravernation.whitecastle.com.

SOURCE White Castle