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is the season of giving. At least for Jersey Mike’s Subs across the country in March. Since 2011, Jersey Mike’s has recognized March as “Month of Giving” when franchisees and team members, supported by generous customers, have raised more than $47 million for local charities of their choosing. “Last year Jersey Mike’s Subs raised an incredible $15 million to help more than 200 charities nationwide including youth organizations, food banks, hospitals and more. Our stores raised $17,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation which allowed for two grants to be made,” said Jersey Mike’s Subs franchise owner Ken Schanke whose stores are located in Manchester, Rocky Hill, Middletown and the newest Enfield, which opened in November last year. This year, for the first time in their 12-year history of Month of Giving, Jersey Mike’s owners and operators nationwide will support a single cause, the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. For over 50 years, Special Olympics has been empowering athletes and encouraging a more inclusive world for those with intellectual disabilities and beyond. The 2022 Month of Giving campaign will peak with “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 30. On that day, 100 percent of sales will be donated to the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games and the local state programs attending the USA Games from June 5-12, in Orlando, Florida. Every four years, more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states unite to compete in 19 sports including athletics, gymnastics, swimming, tennis, basketball, flag football and many more. “We hope to raise $50,000 this year and one additional way we intend to reach our goal is by asking customers at the register for a $5 donation and in return we will give them a “Buy One, Get One” card to be used when they return,” Schanke said. Schanke opened his first Jersey Mike’s franchise in 2018 in Manchester after leaving behind a 23year career with AT+T. “I was looking for something to do that had a passion behind it,” Schanke said. He found that passion at Jersey Mike’s. “I was on vacation in New Jersey and before heading home I stopped into Jersey Mike’s Subs in Point Pleasant, home of the original sub shop. When I saw them freshly slicing the meats and cheese that were going onto my sandwich, it reminded me of another Jersey deli when I was growing up. I was amazed by the passion of the staff as I went through the line to the cash register.
! KEITH O'CONNOR NATE BLAIS
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