Our Passion Project: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Giving back to our communities is a key value for Rita’s and our franchise owners. Here’s one of our most important charitable partnerships
Shortly before her first birthday Alexandra “Alex” Scott was diagnosed with neuroblastoma a type of childhood cancer. After receiving a treatment at 4 years old, she announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand. But she wasn’t keeping the money for herself she wanted to donate to help other kids like her. With the help of families across the country Alex raised more than $1 million before she passed away in 2004. Her legacy lives on in the Foundation that bears her name run by her parents Jay and Liz Scott.
Rita’s has been involved with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation since 2006. We were one of their first large corporate sponsors, and to date we’ve raised over $5 million for Alex’s.
Every year, our franchisees sell paper lemons in their stores. Guests can donate money, write their name on a lemon and decorate a Wall of Hope in each store. Some franchise partners take the fundraising further, such as the franchisee who shaves his head when his store reaches its $20,000 fundraising goal for Alex’s.
It’s incredible to watch how excited and giving and passionate people are towards this Foundation. We’re proud to support it.
Giving back in other ways
At Rita’s, giving back to worthy causes and supporting the communities that support us has always been a part of who we are. In addition to our brand’s commitment to raising money for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, our individual franchisees decide how to give back in their hometowns. Some sponsor youth athletics. Some provide coupons and giveaways to nonprofits, schools or church groups who need help raising money for their projects. As a Rita’s franchisee, that choice will always be up to you.