On Eve of Big Telethon, Froyo Businesses Participate but Also Go Their Own -- Local Way
Denver, Colorado (PRWEB) August 21, 2014 -- In less than a week the airwaves will be filled with celebrities making pleas for donations to fight muscle related disease. Helping the huge telethon effort raise funds will be well-known national companies and brands through their cause-related marketing heft. With their help – and the public’s, the 2013 MDA Telethon raised nearly $60 million.
But for small self-serve business entrepreneurs such as Zinga Frozen Yogurt franchisees, cause-related marketing remains decidedly local and, although the money they raise for their communities is small in individual cases, their efforts stand out as shining examples of how neighborhood businesses can make a real difference in the lives of their communities – and their customers.
Here are some examples of how local small business owners are making a big difference in their communities:
Reading, MA: Hosting parties for special kids
When 15-year-old Kate Pecora who is battling spinal muscular atrophy wanted to entertain her friends at a party she chose the local Zinga Frozen Yogurt store and a video crew was there to capture the fun for inclusion in the Aug. 31 MDA “Show of Strength” Telethon on ABC TV. It was only one of a number of local events planned by Zinga franchisee Caitlin Merello. It’s not just charities and foundations that benefit from these local efforts. Zinga franchisees in Reading introduced "Teammate Tuesday," where school and other organized teams can come into Zinga, in uniform, and mention Teammate Tuesday to receive 10 percent off their yogurt purchase.
Boston area Zinga franchisees have held fundraisers for Boston University’s Public Health initiative and Global Environmental Brigade and a month-long fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Estimates by Zinga’s New England franchisees point to surpassing local contributions of nearly $30,000 in 2013.
Waynesboro, Virginia: Hiring special needs employees
Franchisee Heather Conrad’s brightly painted Zinga! Frozen Yogurt shop was the perfect place to combine her business expertise with her lifetime of helping children with special needs. Conrad’s store employs three Down syndrome team members and she says the enthusiasm they bring pays dividends not only for their bank accounts but also for her community. The employees are paid the same wage as the other staffers.
Palm City, Florida: Tying in with Make-A-Wish
When the Make-A-Wish Foundation informed Zinga owner Elaine Squadrito that a young girl had requested a froyo party for her and her friends, Squadrito not only made it happen, she committed to future fundraisers for the local chapter.
Nationally, Zinga is participating in the “Share our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign” that launches nationally September 1 and lasts for the month. Zinga customers will receive a free frozen treat for every $2 donation to the program for kids struggling with hunger and in need of healthy food.
About ZINGA!
Established in early 2011, ZINGA! “The World’s Best Frozen Yogurt,” is growing quickly in the self-serve frozen yogurt segment. Zinga was the only award winner in the frozen yogurt segment in 2014 Top 50 Franchises -- as named by Franchise Business Review Magazine. Zinga and its team of franchise owners will be named as a "TOP FOOD" by FBR in September 2014, as well. Zinga President John Fitchett said Zinga Franchise Group nearly 300 stores currently in development in 12 states. Zinga is focusing to grow in its existing markets including Dallas, Denver, Northern Virginia, Maryland, Florida, New England and Washington, D.C. metro area. Fitchett’s lengthy career includes stints as area director, franchisee and vice president of development and operations for large franchise restaurant chains.
For more information about ZINGA and franchise opportunities, visit http://zingafroyo.com
Barry Bronson, Zinga Franchise Group LLC, http://www.zingafroyo.com, +1 (859) 327-7447, [email protected]
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