Cold Stone Creamery has announced the continuation of its partnership with Best Buddies International, a nonprofit organization focused on creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Throughout September, Cold Stone Creamery stores across the country will conduct a fundraising campaign to support Best Buddies’ programs.
Customers at participating Cold Stone locations can make donations to Best Buddies during the campaign. My Cold Stone Club Rewards members who contribute $1 or more, whether in-store or online, will receive Double Points on their entire purchase. The funds raised will directly benefit Best Buddies’ initiatives, which aim to enhance the quality of life for individuals with IDD through various programs, including friendship, employment, and leadership development opportunities.
This year’s partnership takes on added significance as it aligns with the launch of Best Buddies’ newest mission pillar: Family Support. This initiative is designed to provide resources and support to parents and caregivers of children with IDD. Central to this new pillar is the Eunie’s Buddies program, which connects experienced parents of children with IDD to new parents who are either expecting, have recently had a baby, or are raising a young child with an IDD diagnosis. The program aims to offer emotional support and resources during a crucial time in these families’ lives.
The pilot phase of Eunie’s Buddies is set to launch in 2024 in four cities: Miami, Nashville, Denver, and Boston, with plans for further expansion in the future.
Jana Schneider, VP of National Programs for Kahala Brands, the parent company of Cold Stone Creamery, expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership. She emphasized the importance of supporting both individuals with IDD and their families through this initiative and encouraged customers to participate by donating at their local Cold Stone Creamery.