Tropical Smoothie Café's third annual National Flip Flop Day fundraiser has set a donation record for the chain, which was able to collect $310,000 for Camp Sunshine.
During the month-long National Flip Flop Day campaign in June, Tropical Smoothie Café engaged its customers, crew, local businesses and franchise owners to take part in the fundraising event which supports Camp Sunshine, a national retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The funds raised this year bring the total donations to $710,000 from Tropical Smoothie Café to Camp Sunshine since their partnership began in 2008. Last year’s fundraising effort raised $275,000.
“Everyone in the Tropical Smoothie Café community, from franchisees to area developers to employees, is ecstatic about the success of this year’s National Flip Flop Day celebration, and all of us are truly grateful to our loyal and wonderful customers who donated money to this worthy cause,” said Jim Valentino, the company’s president and chief operating officer. “As we continue to surpass preceding years in the funds we raise, we look forward to reaching the $1 million mark next year in total funds raised.”
Fundraising efforts took place throughout June at each of the more than 285 Tropical Smoothie Café locations and also online at www.nationalflipflopday.com. Additionally, cell-phone savvy consumers texted their donations to CAMP at 20222. The text-message portion of the campaign is ongoing, and anyone who still wants to make a donation can do so by sending a text message. The funds will be used primarily to provide sponsorships for entire families to attend Camp Sunshine. The Camp also will designate some of the money to support families’ travels to Camp as well as construction and capital improvements.
The week of August 1-6, 2010, has been designated as Tropical Smoothie Café Week at Camp Sunshine. Franchisees and executives of Tropical Smoothie Café will participate in a check presentation to the Camp on August 5.
“We are blown away by how much Tropical Smoothie Café has embraced Camp Sunshine with their commitment and passion to what we do,” said Matt Hoidal, Camp Sunshine’s executive director. “For us, the money raised during the National Flip Flop Day campaign is a dream come true. Tropical Smoothie Café has taken its commitment to the maximum in spreading the word about Camp Sunshine and helping deserving families benefit through a week of relaxation and support.”
Camp Sunshine is located in Casco, Maine, along Sebago Lake, and has offered recreational, medical and counseling services at no cost to more than 20,000 individuals and their families.
