TUCSON, Ariz. — A first-time program for Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt and the Muscular Dystrophy Association has raised $234,307 to help "spread smiles" for children and adults affected by neuromuscular disease. The funds were raised by Menchie’s guests nationwide during a monthlong program to benefit the Association.

From Aug. 1 through Sept. 3, Menchie's guests were asked to “Mix it up for MDA” by purchasing and signing a $1 Make a Muscle, Make a Difference® mobile when buying a frozen yogurt at any of Menchie’s 200 nationwide locations.

A special coupon for 15 percent off the next visit to Menchie’s was included in the promotion as a thank you for each mobile purchased. Local area families served by MDA will benefit from every frozen yogurt mix and mobile sold.

“The outpouring of support from Menchie’s guests and franchisees across all our stores has been tremendous, and we’re so grateful we were able to raise $234,307 and help ‘spread smiles’ to those served by MDA,” said Amit Kleinberger, CEO of Menchie’s Global Headquarters.

“We’re thrilled to make this donation to support MDA and those affected by muscle disease, as we pride ourselves on giving back to local communities around the globe.”

This is the first year MDA has partnered with Menchie's stores nationwide for a mobile campaign. Funds raised help support MDA's programs of research and health care services, including MDA summer camp.

"Menchie’s and their guests went above and beyond this past month to make their first nationwide campaign for MDA an amazing success,” said MDA Executive Vice President of Business Development Kevin Moran. “Menchie’s ‘Make a Muscle’ mobile program helped raise funds in a powerful and meaningful way. No doubt Menchie’s franchisees, team members and loyal guests care about their communities and helping families fighting muscle disease."

Menchie’s was acknowledged for their fundraising efforts on the MDA SHOW of STRENGTH™ entertainment special on Sunday, Sept. 2. The show aired on more than 150 television stations across the country, featuring some of today’s top entertainers and “stories of strength” about families living with neuromuscular disease.

About Menchie’s

Menchie’s creates lasting memories by being the friendliest place on earth with a mission to make every guest smile. Providing an unparalleled guest experience that is warm, welcoming, tasty and fun, Menchie’s stores contain interactive elements such as chalkboards for kids, party rooms, enjoyable music, arts and crafts, and indoor/outdoor seating areas where friends and family gather. Placing a focus on people and community before commerce, Menchie’s franchisees actively donate thousands of dollars to local school programs and charitable organizations.

With its own proprietary portfolio of frozen yogurt, Menchie’s guests create their own unique combinations from over 100 rotating yogurt flavors and 70 rotating toppings. In July 2010, Menchie’s was awarded first place in Restaurant Business Magazine’s annual “Future 50” list, ranking it the fastest-growing franchise in the restaurant industry. In 2011, the company repeated its top mark, achieving second place on the list. In 2012, Menchie’s was included in Entrepreneur magazine’s “Franchise 500” list as well as ranked in the publication’s “Fastest-Growing,” “Top New” and “America’s Top Global” franchise categories.

Menchie’s has more than 230 locations open in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, Puerto Rico, Israel and Guam, with an additional 250 currently in development, and is poised to total more than 300 stores by the end of 2012, and expects to celebrate 500 stores in 2013. For more information, including franchising opportunities, visit menchies.com.

About MDA
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

In addition to funding some 300 research projects worldwide, MDA maintains a national network of 200 medical clinics; facilitates hundreds of support groups for families affected by neuromuscular diseases; and provides local summer camp opportunities for thousands of youngsters living with progressive muscle diseases.

For more information, visit mda.org and follow MDA on Facebook (facebook.com/MDAnational) and Twitter (@MDAnews).