Dairy Queen, GEICO help make miracles for CHKD

Area Dairy Queen franchisee, Mitch Sandlin, owner of Mid Atlantic Dairy Queen (MADQ), a collection of 15 local DQ restaurants, has recently surpassed $1.8 million towards a pledge of $5 million to the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters made in 2020.

A Mid Atlantic Dairy Queen news release noted that the MADQ team is on track to meet or finish the pledge by 2030.

Officials stated that MADQ, which includes locations in Courtland, Franklin and Windsor, hopes to help make a difference for the next generation and has dedicated its donations to the new Children’s Mental Health Hospital at CHKD. According to the 2023 impact report, 43% of donated funds went to supporting “the physical, mental and emotional health of kids and families.”

Sandlin, CEO of MADQ, said, “Helping kids see the world in a positive way will make the biggest impact on the future of the Hampton Roads community.”

MADQ TEAM READIES FOR MIRACLE TREAT DAY

Now the MADQ team is getting pumped up for its favorite day of the year — Miracle Treat Day for Children’s Miracle Network. On Thursday, July 25, the team will join thousands of DQ locations across the country working to raise money for children’s health in their communities.

Every Blizzard Treat sold at participating Mid Atlantic Dairy Queen locations will result in a $1 donation to the local hospital, CHKD. The fundraiser has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for the hospital in the past, and participating locations are ready to see what 2024 has in store.

MADQ manages DQ locations in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Yorktown, Newport News, Franklin, Courtland and Windsor.

“That means no matter where you live, you can enjoy a Blizzard Treat while knowing part of the sale will go towards children’s mental health in the Hampton Roads community,” officials stated in the release. “Participating locations can be found at dqhamptonroads.com. Blizzard Treats ordered online through their mobile app or with delivery providers like DoorDash, Grubhub and UberEats will also be eligible for the $1 donation to the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters.”

LOCAL BUSINESSES GET INVOLVED, TREAT THEIR TEAMS

MADQ began reaching out to local businesses to support the cause last year.

“It’s a great way for a local company to treat their team and give back to the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters,” officials stated in the release. “In 2023, one of Virginia Beach’s biggest employers, GEICO, quickly joined in the excitement and treated over 650 employees to Blizzard Treats on Miracle Treat Day.”

This year, GEICO is taking it to the next level with more than 750 Blizzard Treats for its team.

CHKD Philanthropy Officer John Muszkewycz noted that CHKD was thrilled to hear GEICO was back for another Miracle Treat Day.

“We are so grateful to GEICO for their many years of support of CHKD,” Muszkewycz said. “There is no sweeter way to celebrate our partnership than by sharing Dairy Queen Blizzards on Miracle Treat Day.”

MADQ PLANS TO RAISE THE BAR FOR DONATIONS

International Dairy Queen celebrated 40 years of its partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals this year. MADQ locations have been participating ever since the beginning with a variety of fundraising activities.

“Miracle Treat Day just so happens to be their favorite DQ event,” officials stated.

For Miracle Treat Day 2023, local DQ locations raised more than $12,000 for the children at CHKD. In 2024, area locations hope to raise that total to at least $14,000.

“There is nothing sweeter than Mid Atlantic Dairy Queen’s support of CHKD,” said

Kate Ryan, philanthropy officer, CMN Partnerships and Events. “We are so grateful for their commitment to bring health and hope to kids at CHKD.”

MORE WAYS THAN ONE TO TREAT YOURSELF AND KIDS AT CHKD

MADQ does more than just donate a portion of sales on Miracle Treat Day. Encouraging its guests, or as it calls them, “fans,” to round up to the nearest dollar makes the biggest difference for the kids.

“In 2023, fan donations accounted for over 80% of our contributions to the hospital,” MADQ Director of Marketing Matthew Bean said.

Last year, MADQ restaurants raised more than $400,000 rounding up for the children.

“It is truly amazing to see the community support our mission to reach $5 million for CHKD,” Bean said.

Local DQ restaurants also participate in the “Dip it for kids” fundraiser on Free Cone Day in March. During this event that is typically scheduled for the first day of spring, Dairy Queen offers a free DQ cone for anyone who visits. If a DQ fan wants to get their free cone dipped, then they just need to donate $1.

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