Story by Chelsea Martin
Photo by Billy Hardiman
Dairy Queen has been built on its founders’ desire to
serve as a community gathering spot, reciprocating
for the continuous support the franchise has
received since its inception.
In order to give back for all of the overwhelming
community support, Dairy Queen has maintained a
partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
since 1984. Throughout the 27-year relationship, the
company has raised more than $86 million for 170
children’s hospitals across North America.
These facilities, which provide care based on filling the
needs of families rather than their ability to pay, treat more
than 17 million kids a year.
Each year, Dairy Queen locations participate in a
fundraiser to generate funds for local children’s hospitals,
100 percent of which stay in the community where they’re
raised.Not only does the participating DQ location offer a
Miracle Treat day where a portion of the blizzard proceeds
go to Network hospitals. A donation box in front of the
cash registers beckons contributors and paper “miracle
balloons” are available for a donation of $1 or $5.
Store manager Ahmed Khalile of Dairy Queen Tempe
says he’s proud to participate in the program again this
year. “Our support enables us to give something back to the
community.” The DQ annual fundraiser began June 1 and
continues through July 31.
“One of our slogans is ‘We’re known to make smiles,”
Khalile said. “I feel like we work so well with CMN
Hospitals because we all have the same goal in mind.”
This year, the Tempe Dairy Queen’s goal is to raise
$1,000, Khalile says.
“It’s a positive experience for everyone involved,”
Khalile said. “My employees enjoy it and like to be
involved, and the customers are pleased to donate to a
great cause.” DQ is at the northwest corner of Rural and Elliot roads in Tempe.
