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Cold Stone Creamery And Best Buddies International

Cold Stone Creamery Franchise Partners with Best Buddies International

Franchisees consistently say that one of the reasons they choose to own an independent business is because it offers a way to do meaningful work while providing for their families. Cold Stone Creamery franchisees echo that sentiment as they get to partner with Best Buddies International® through the Cold Stone corporate office.

best buddies international cold stone creamery counter

“Cold Stone Creamery is pleased to partner with Best Buddies International,” says John Wuycheck, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development with Cold Stone Creamery. “When you look at Best Buddies’ mission, it’s easy to see why Cold Stone is a great fit for their program. They’re all about friendship, mentoring, inclusion, education and empowerment. Cold Stone embraces these same ideals, with our franchisees supporting fundraising efforts and the jobs program for Best Buddies. If an entrepreneur is looking for a company that’s committed to making a positive impact, then look no further than Cold Stone Creamery.”

Cold Stone Creamery Franchises Support Awareness and Fundraising

For a little more than two years, Cold Stone has supported Best Buddies International as its national charity partner. During that time, Cold Stone franchisees have participated in annual fundraising campaigns and also hired local program participants for jobs in their stores.

“We are always excited to support our national philanthropy, Best Buddies, on an impactful and national scale,” said Kate Unger, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Kahala Brands™, parent company of Cold Stone Creamery.  “Cold Stone Creamery is always eager to help raise money and support such an important organization.”

Romeoville, Illinois, franchise owners Ruth and Bill Huddlestun have engaged with their local Best Buddies chapter for several years. Program participants work in their store, helping with a variety of tasks such as mixing Creations™ on the stone, unwrapping candy and greeting customers.

“Being a small business owner, you have a chance to touch the community as you want to,” says Ruth Huddlestun. “Best Buddies is a good charity to work with because we get to partner with them locally. The students unwrap candy, fill the drink cooler and wipe down the glass. They earn a check and ice cream to go.

“We’ve always had a compassion for people with special abilities. One of our special employees is 26 years old, and she’s been with us eight years. She has aged out of the program now, but her mother wants her to have a meaningful life and not just sit at home watching TV. She comes by one hour a week while her mother goes to Target. That gives her some dimension to her day, and she prides herself on being an employee.”

During our first fundraising campaign, the Huddlestuns’ store raised the most money for Best Buddies, and it continues to be consistently active in charitable-support efforts.

Best Buddies International

Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They help individuals within this community form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.

When people from the program come to work at a Cold Stone store, they are able to receive an income, pay taxes, and continuously and independently support themselves. The program expands beyond the typical positions in which a person with intellectual and developmental disabilities might be placed and instead focuses on finding work that matches the job seeker’s specific interests and talents.

Now is the Time to Join Cold Stone Creamery Franchise and Make a Difference

One of the many benefits of Cold Stone franchise ownership is becoming an important part of the community. When you join Cold Stone, you’ll be included in our national partnership with Best Buddies International and get to implement it on a local level. You’ll be doing work you love, supporting your family and making a difference in your community.

To find out more about franchise ownership, read through the research pages on our website or fill out our information form here.

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