Dutch Bros’ ‘Drink One for Dane’ aids fight against ALS
On Friday, May 5 , all Dutch Bros locations will celebrate Drink One for Dane by donating proceeds from every drink sold to the Muscular Dystrophy Association to further support Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis research and family services.
May 5 will mark the company’s eleventh year partnering with its community to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association, or MDA. MDA is the world’s leader of in the fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS.
“It’s hard to believe it has been ten years and we hope everyone will join us to make this the best year yet,” said Dutch Bros Co-founder, Travis Boersma. “All of us at Dutch Bros, look forward to the day we celebrate beating ALS.”
ALS is a disease that affects the parts of the nervous system that are responsible for muscle movement, and is unforgiving. ALS is a particularly cruel disease because those impacted are well aware of what is going on around them, but unable to control muscle movements such as speaking, breathing or moving. There is currently no cause, or cure for ALS and most people who are diagnosed will typically lose their battle within three to five years.
Drink One for Dane began in 2005, after Dutch Bros co-founder Dane Boersma was diagnosed, as a way to raise awareness and support for a disease that was, and still is, not fully understood. In 2009, the company lost Dane to this incurable disease. Drink One for Dane remains a way to honor the legacy of a man who was known to inspire and positively impact all around him and Dutch Bros will continue this fight until a cure for ALS is discovered.
On Friday , Dutch Bros will once again rally with its communities to raise awareness and support for ALS, a disease that affects the lives of many throughout Dutch Bros and its communities. All 283 locations throughout the seven states in which the company operates will donate proceeds from all drinks sold to further support the fight against ALS and to further support family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors who have been touched by this unnerving disease.
“At MDA we’re seeing unprecedented progress in the neuromuscular disease field, and it’s inspired us to work harder than ever to find urgently needed solutions for the ALS community,” said MDA Senior Vice President and Scientific Program Director Grace Pavlath, Ph.D. “Thanks in part to Dutch Bros.’ generous support over the last 10 years, MDA’s current ALS investment covers 44 active ALS grants — each of which has the potential to lead to life-changing therapies. Together with Dutch Bros., we’re closing in on the breakthroughs that will lead to treatments and cures.”
To date, Dutch Bros has donated over $2.53 million, with last year bringing in over $758,000: a donation amount the company is looking to surpass this year. Together, we can make a difference to end ALS.
