Jersey Mike’s Subs and its customers across the country raised a remarkable $15 million for over 200 charities nationwide. The company set a goal of raising $8 million, but donations just kept coming in. Before they knew it, they’d raised almost double that amount during the company’s 11th Annual Month of Giving in March.
The sandwich company known for its fresh homemade bread gave donations to hospitals, youth organizations, food banks, and more. Jersey Mike’s locations around the country accepted gifts throughout the month of March. On March 31, its annual Day of Giving, over 1,900 restaurants gave 100 percent sales to local charities.
Jersey Mike’s raised over double its fundraising efforts in 2021 compared with 2019. Two years ago, the company donated $7.3 million to local charities during March. They couldn’t believe the outcome of this year’s donations, given financial strains due to the pandemic. The results mean even more this year since the pandemic led to Day of Giving celebrations being canceled in 2020.
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Since the company started Month of Giving in 2011, Jersey Mike’s has raised over $47 million for local charities. You can find out more information about Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving here.
Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike’s Founder and CEO, says the following:
“We really hoped to do well this year after the disappointment of having to cancel last year’s Day of Giving, and the outpouring of support from across the country is truly inspiring. We are filled with gratitude and admiration for our customers, franchise owners, and team members who have helped these charities in such a big way, now, when they need it more than ever.”
Jersey Mike’s believes happiness is only real when shared with others
Cancro bought his first sub shop when he was just 17 years old. He gives credit for Month of Giving’s success to two local business owners in his hometown, Point Pleasant Beach. Jack Baker of Baker’s Lobster Shanty and Bob Hoffman of Hoffman’s Ice Cream gave him advice he’ll never forget.
They both shared with him the importance of giving often and unconditionally to those around him. In fact, Hoffman impacted him so profoundly that Cancro featured him in a Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving commercial.
“Giving…making a difference in someone’s life” has been Jersey Mike’s mission since the company’s inception in 1956.
Jersey Mike’s has a long history of giving back to local communities and charities whenever possible. In fact, their website lists various charitable campaigns and fundraisers they’ve been involved in since 2007.
Notable charitable donations from Jersey Mike’s
Here is a timeline of these efforts.
2007
At the first annual Life of Riley Foundation golf tournament that year, Jersey Mike’s raised over $14,000 for the organization. The foundation raises awareness of and funds research for pediatric brain tumors and helps families whose children have these tumors.
2008
In 2008, Jersey Mike’s Middle Tennessee stores raised almost $17,000 for the Michael Stanley Child Life Fund. The donation helped to sustain the Child Life Services program at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital.
Also, in 2008, the company gave $25,000 to Interfaith Neighbors. The nonprofit organization that assists working poor families and elderly residents of Monmouth County, New Jersey.
Jersey Mike’s Subs gave over $40,000 in media placement, cash, and food donations to Autism Speaks. The donations helped support the organization’s 6th Annual Carolinas Walk Now for Autism event. This donation and other funds provided by the community helped raise over $450,000 for autism research and family services.
2009
In 2009, Jersey Mike’s raised more than $50,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). In many cities, Jersey Mike’s store owners even invited members from local Boys & Girls Clubs into their stores. They shared stories about running a business and even let the young boys and girls make an authentic sub sandwich. “Many thanks to Peter Cancro and Jersey Mike’s – this support enables us to continue to fulfill our promise of helping young people reach their full potential,” said Cyndi Court, executive vice president, BGCA. “We also appreciate the time the Jersey Mike’s store owners spent with our members. It is a learning experience the children will never forget.”
2010
In 2010, Jersey Mike’s locations in the Dallas/Fort Worth area raised $50,000 for Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer (WOKC). The local Dallas nonprofit aims to raise awareness about cancer in children. They have the hope that one day all children can live cancer-free.
2011
Jersey Mike’s raised over $600,000 for 66 different charities during the first annual Month of Giving in 2011.
2012
In 2012, the company raked in almost $858,000 for 74 different children’s charities nationwide for the Month of Giving.
2013
The company saw a massive increase in donations for the Month of Giving in 2013. That year, Jersey Mike’s raised an “unprecedented $1.7 million for 86 different charities nationwide.”
2014
During the 4th annual Month of Giving in 2014, their fundraising efforts led to $2.1 million in donations.
2015 and 2016
In 2015, this went up to $3 million in donations. The following year, the company raised over $4 million in donations for 180 different charities. Almost all the contributions – $3.4 million – came from the Day of Giving on March 30. That day, 100% of proceeds nationwide went to the charity partner.
2017 through 2020
The company doesn’t list totals from the Month of Giving in 2017 or 2018. However, the event is a success, as Jersey Mike’s raised $7.3 million in 2019 and $15 million this year.
Final thoughts on how Jersey Mike’s raised an unprecedented $15 million for Month of Giving
Since 2011, the popular sub sandwich restaurant Jersey Mike’s has hosted a Month of Giving. During the month of March each year, the company gives out coupons that help drive sales. The sandwich shop then donates the proceeds from this event to charities nationwide. This year, the company reached a new milestone, with over $15 million raised for local charities worldwide.
If you have been craving a sub sandwich, Jersey Mike’s is the place to go. Not only do they make delicious food, they give back to the community whenever possible. The CEO says they don’t give to get tax breaks or praise from people, but because they genuinely want to.
