Charlotte, N.C. (Sept. 21, 2017) – Polished-casual restaurant Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, an Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) partner since fall 2012, has now surpassed $1 million in donations to the national childhood cancer foundation, which is dedicated to raising funds for research into new treatments and cures for children battling various cancers. Firebirds’ donations to ALSF come from the sale of freshly squeezed lemonade in its restaurants and from lemonade stands set up outside each Firebirds location during ALSF’s annual Alex’s Lemonade Days fundraiser in June.
“It is humbling and amazing to witness the support of our stakeholders and the generosity of the communities we serve,” said Firebirds CEO Mark Eason. “We plan to keep fighting against childhood cancer for as many years as it takes to beat the disease.”
ALSF was born at the front yard lemonade stand of 4-year-old cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996 – 2004), who said she wanted to give her proceeds to oncologists so they could “help other kids, like they helped me.” By the time she died in 2004, Alex had raised more than $1 million toward a cure for childhood cancer. Her foundation has gone on to raise more than $150 million to research childhood cancer causes, treatments and cures. All of this was done one cup of lemonade at a time.
Year-round, Firebirds donates $1.25 per glass of freshly squeezed lemonade sold at all of its restaurants to ALSF. Starting in 2013, Firebirds also began participating in ALSF’s Alex’s Lemonade Days, putting a lemonade stand outside each of its restaurants every year for the non-profit’s annual June fundraiser. This year’s donations from Firebirds to Alex’s Lemonade Days exceeded $100,000 – an average of $2,326 from each of Firebirds’ 43 locations. From these two efforts, Firebirds has raised an average of $200,000 per year to help make a difference in the lives of children battling cancer.
“We are honored to have Firebirds as one of our Corporate Partners, as that’s exactly what they’ve been for the last five years – partners to us,” said Liz Scott, co-executive director of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. “A million dollars is an incredible milestone, as it was for my daughter Alex, and gets us one step closer to finding a cure for all kids with cancer.”
To help generate awareness about the cause, please reference #OneCupAtATime via social media. To learn more about Alex Scott’s story or to support ALSF, visit Firebirdsrestaurants.com/Alexs-Lemonade-Stand-Foundation.
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About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004). In 2000, 4-year-old Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of supporters across the country carrying on her legacy of hope. To date, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $150 million toward fulfilling Alex’s dream of finding a cure, funding over 800 pediatric cancer research projects nationally. For more information on Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, visit AlexsLemonade.org.
About Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is a polished-casual restaurant specializing in classic American cuisine, including fresh steaks and seafood prepared on an authentic wood-fired grill. The menu features a variety of innovative selections infused with bold flavors, created in its scratch-made kitchen and seared over local hickory, oak or pecan wood. Unique features, including custom-designed wine walls, exclusive artwork, inviting patios and the award-winning FIREBAR®, provide a full-spectrum dining experience. The FIREBAR® boasts a wide selection of artisan cocktails, craft beer and a robust wine list, including Firebirds’ own private labels, served at proper cellar temperatures. With its purpose to “Serve, Enrich and Exceed,” Firebirds prides itself on providing real value and unexpected delights to its guests. Firebirds partners with organizations such as Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation to weave itself into the fabric of each community it serves, having donated more than $1 million to date through the sale of its freshly squeezed lemonade. To become a member of Firebirds’ Inner Circle or to find a location, visit firebirdsrestaurants.com, like Firebirds on Facebook or follow Firebirds on Twitter at @FirebirdsGrill or Instagram at @FirebirdsGrill.