Minneapolis – May 10, 2021 – American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ) today announced DQ® franchisee, Joel Slocum Sr., owner of four DQ restaurants in Bridgewater, Verona, Elkton, and Stuarts Draft, as the 2020 recipient of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Miracle Maker award.
The DQ brand has partnered with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® (CMN Hospitals) for 37 years, and each year donates millions of dollars to support kids and families across the U.S. through a variety of programs at DQ restaurants. Miracle Treat Day is one of the largest, single day fundraising events of the year for CMN Hospitals, where one dollar or more from every Blizzard® Treat sold at participating DQ locations goes directly to the non-profit organization.
Miracle Makers are DQ franchise owners who go the extra mile for Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) by being deeply involved in supporting their own communities. Through his leadership, Joel encourages friendly competition among his stores to maximize fundraising, and creates a culture that inspires donations. In addition to Miracle Treat Day, Joel participates in programs including Miracle Balloons and Round up for the Kids, where DQ Fans can purchase paper CMN Balloon coupons or round-up to the nearest dollar at the register, with proceeds going to CMN Hospitals.
“On average, 62 children enter a CMN Hospital every minute,” said Joel. “Family and community are some of the most important things in life, so it’s an honor to be able to give back and support those who need it most. I couldn’t have done it without my wonderful management team and crew members, and their relentless efforts on behalf of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.”
All contributions made through DQ cause programs stay local, and help to provide hope within communities across the U.S.
“Joel has been an amazing community partner and supporter of our program,” said Ryan Lightner, Associate Director of Development at UVA Children’s Hospital. “Year after year he and his crew members continue to go above and beyond to help the families of central Virginia.”
This award is given out annually by ADQ to one U.S. DQ franchisee who represents the best of the brand when it comes to their commitment to helping local kids.
“Joel is committed to creating a positive experience for DQ fans not only in his restaurants, but throughout the communities he serves. We are grateful for Joel’s dedication and are proud to recognize him for his hard work,” said Maria Hokanson, Executive Vice President of Marketing at ADQ. “Joel’s passion for making an impact, and bringing happiness to these children and their families, gives our brand purpose.”
For more information on CMN Hospitals, visit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals:
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $5 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity's Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children’s hospitals need community support, identify your member hospital and learn how you can Put Your Money Where the Miracles Are, at CMNHospitals.org and facebook.com/CMNHospitals.
About IDQ:
International Dairy Queen Inc. (IDQ), based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ) and Dairy Queen Canada, Inc. Through its subsidiaries, IDQ develops, licenses and services a system of more than 7,000 restaurants in the United States, Canada and more than 20 other countries. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (Berkshire), which is led by Warren Buffet, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire. For more information, visit DairyQueen.com.