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IFA Honors Franchising’s Philanthropic Side
The Franchising Gives Back program highlights brands that give back to their community
Franchising Gives Back got its start when a concerned group of franchisors, franchisees and suppliers came together before an International Franchise Association (IFA) Convention and organized a volunteer effort in the city where the convention was taking place. As the IFA began hearing more about how franchise business leaders were supporting charities nationally and in their local communities, they decided it was time to do more to recognize those who consistently give back to move communities forward while inspiring their peers to do the same.
Founded in 2015, the program operates under the IFA’s Educational Foundation. The program is funded by generous donations from IFA members and founding sponsor Roark Capital Group. Steve Romaniello, managing director of the Roark Capital Group, said the core initiative of the program is to highlight franchises’ charitable contributions.
“Franchising Gives Back recognizes and promotes the contributions of franchise business leaders year-round. From supporting Little League baseball teams and donating food for homeless shelters to organizing marches for cancer research, franchise businesses donate billions of volunteer hours and dollars to give back to their communities,” Romaniello said. “Big or small, the combined local contributions of franchising create a significant impact worldwide.”
One such brand that believes strongly in charitable giving is Massage Envy. The massage and skincare franchise’s Healing Hands for Arthritis is a one-day fundraiser hosted at Massage Envy locations across the country. Ten dollars from every massage or facial and 10 percent of select retail products sold on that day goes directly back to its national cause marketing partner, the Arthritis Foundation. The annual event also aims to raise awareness about the effects arthritis can have on the body and how massage therapy can help relieve and control symptoms.
“Arthritis inflicts enormous pain and disability, affecting all ages. It also costs the U.S. economy $156 billion in lost wages and medical expenses annually. The Healing Hands for Arthritis event rallies Massage Envy members and guests in the community to support a cause that is at the core of who we are as a brand,” said Massage Envy Senior Vice President of Marketing Derek Detenber. “We are honored to be recognized by the IFA for our Healing Hands for Arthritis event. Over the years, we have raised over $4 million for the Arthritis Foundation, and this past year alone we have raised over $1.1 million. This couldn’t have been done without the hard work and support of our franchisees, their staff and Massage Envy’s members and guests.”
The Franchising Gives Back program holds an annual awards dinner to honor brands like Massage Envy for their charitable contributions. The Franchise Education and Research Foundation received over 100 submissions from IFA members to be considered for the Franchising Give Back Awards in 2015. Fifteen members and their charitable efforts were recognized, including Denny’s, Massage Envy, Figaro’s Pizza and Church’s Chicken.
Also honored during the 2015 ceremony with a Silver Spirit of Franchising Award was Sport Clips*’ and their partnership with the American Red Cross. The nation’s leading men’s and boy’s hair care franchise teamed with the American Red Cross for the “Saving Lives Never Looked So Good” campaign. Those who donated blood in September 2015 were awarded with a coupon for a free haircut. Sport Clips Corporate Communications Manager Margaret Briscoe said they were proud to be recognized by the IFA Educational Foundation.
“Sport Clips Haircuts was honored to have been recognized by the IFA with a Franchising Gives Back award for our partnership with the American Red Cross,” said Briscoe. “What began as a franchisee’s great idea grew into a national partnership that helps encourage lifesaving blood donations across the country. It’s through efforts such as this, and many others, that we see how uniquely positioned franchises are to make a big difference.”
The IFA has big plans for the Franchising Gives Back Program in 2016. John Reynolds, president of the IFA’s Educational Foundation, said they are looking to increase participation and get more entries for the Awards Program in 2016.
“We know that hundreds of franchisor members, hundreds of supplier members, and thousands of franchisee members are doing charitable and community support programs in thousands of communities and we want to help them tell their story,” Reynolds said. “Our goal is to triple the number of entries in 2016.”
The deadline for award nominations is June 17, with the 2016 awards occurring on September 12 in Washington, D.C.
*This brand is a paid partner of 1851 Franchise. For more information on paid partnerships please click here.
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