Since 2010 the annual autism fundraising campaign has raised more than $3 million for Autism Speaks
COLUMBUS, Ohio – During Autism Awareness Month in April, White Castle Cravers and team members raised a record-breading $909,000 for Autism Speaks by selling puzzle pieces in 390 restaurants in 12 states.
“We’re thrilled that our Cravers and team members so strongly supported the puzzle piece campaign again this year,” said Erin Shannon, corporate relations manager at White Castle and fourth generation family member. “The result of reaching our campaign goal again in 2015 allows White Castle to make a large donation that provides nourishment and hope to families impacted by an autism diagnosis.”
The Castle Shares program continued its philanthropic commitment with a campaign that ran from March 29th through May 3, 2015. And set a fundraising record for the sixth straight year. Cravers supported the nation’s largest research and advocacy organization for autism by purchasing an Autism Speaks Puzzle Piece for $1, $3 or $5.
In the past five years, White Castle has donated more than $3 million to Autism Speaks. In addition to sales of the steamed-on-bed-of-onions Original Sliders®, White Castle has also created the limited-edition Original Slider-scented candle®, designed by Laura Slatkin. Since 2010, over 10,000 candles have sold to raise more than $100,000. This year, White Castle also launched a special-edition Crave Case design that paid tribute to Autism Speaks. For each Crave Case ordered during the month of April, White Castle donated $3 to Autism Speaks.
“White Castle has continued its leadership in supporting Autism Speaks and all the families we serve,” said Liz Feld, president of Autism Speaks. “ The money they have raised makes a meaningful difference in the lives of the millions of people who are affected by autism.”
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show the prevalence of autism in the U.S. has risen to an estimated 1 in 68 children. This new estimate is roughly 30 percent higher than the estimate for 2008 (1 in 88). The number for boys diagnosed with autism also has increased to 1 in 42. It was previously 1 in 54 boys. Scientists have yet to determine a definitive cause for autism.
About White Castle
White Castle is a family-owned business based in Columbus, Ohio, that owns and operates more than 400 restaurants in 12 states. The company was founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 1921 and is America’s first fast-food hamburger chain. All White Castle Sliders are made from 100 percent USDA inspected beef. White Castle’s commitment to maintaining the highest quality products extends to the company owning and operating its own meat processing plants and bakeries. Craver Nation, White Castle’s culture center for Cravers, connects like-minded Cravers from around the globe in a social media setting. For more information on White Castle and Craver Nation, visit WhiteCastle.com and CraverNation.WhiteCastle.com.
About Castle Shares
By feeding hunger, hope and dreams, the White Castle family helps build strong, thriving, Craver communities through the Castle Shares program. Founder Billy Ingram believed in taking care of people and giving back to the community. His philosophy still remains a focus of the family-owned business today. White Castle donates $2.1 million every year to a variety of charities across the nation, including $607,000 to Autism Speaks in 2013. The White Castle family supports more than 50 charities each year with volunteers, money and food donations.
