Ep132: White Castle's In-Store Fundraising Spikes 48%. What's On The Menu?

causetalk radio white castle

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Today on CauseTalk Radio, Megan and I talk to Jamie Richardson, Vice President at White Castle, about the quick-serve chain's register fundraiser for Autism Speaks that raised $909,000 - a 48 percent increase over the previous year.

Megan, Jamie and I discuss:

White Castle's hamburger & onion scented candle benefits Autism Speaks. 

White Castle's hamburger & onion scented candle benefits Autism Speaks. 

  • The storied past of White Castle. "What Ford did for cars, White Castle did for hamburgers!"
  • In the 7th year of their program with Autism Speaks, White Castle grew its program to nearly $1 million.
  • The importance of engaging, gamifying and incentivizing White Castle team members.
  • Giving customers the option to donate $1, $3 or $5 was critical in the growth of the program.
  • How White Castle had fun with the program and encouraged stores to challenge each other on who could raise the most money.
  • How White Castle ran a "March Madness" like contest that really got managers and employees engaged week-to-week.
  • How White Castle incentivized and rewarded customers who supported the fundraiser.
  • The history of the White Castle onion and hamburger scented candle. 
  • The challenge of "fast-food cause marketing" and the ethics of supporting health causes.

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Ep133: Dole, Chef Roy Choi Launch Food Truck for a Cause in L. A.

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Ep131: Finally, A Cellphone Company That Connects Your Calls to a Cause