The 2016 Pulse nightclub tragedy has left a permanent mark on the minds of many Americans. Ever since that somber day, the Orlando community has focused on remembering those taken and building hope. Dunkin’ and it’s Florida franchisees have stepped up to show support for this local community and spread a message of hope.
Today, the onePULSE Foundation hosted its largest annual fundraising event with the Fourth Annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run. Over the course of the four-day registration event, Dunkin’ and local Florida franchisees provided over 500 Dunkin’ gift cards, 240 assorted donuts and multiple boxes of coffee, hot chocolate and tea to help fuel the volunteers manning registration and packet pick-up, and have also donated Dunkin’ swag bags with Dunkin’ gift cards to the top race fundraising teams. Franchisee Carlos Ribeiro personally donated 10% of all sales from the Dunkin’ restaurant next to the former nightclub on the morning of September 12th to the onePULSE Foundation.
Like most major events this year, the CommUNITY Rainbow Run went virtual, with international runners across 14 countries and all 50 states lacing up. For participants in Orlando, the onePULSE Foundation hosted socially distanced registration packet pick-up this past week.
"We are not only neighbors; we are all part of the SoDo District Community. While a tragedy struck all of us, the OnePULSE Foundation rose from it to stand and fight against intolerance and hatred,” said Dunkin’ franchisee, Carlos Ribeiro. “Whether you're actually running or virtually running in the race, we are all doing this together."
Dunkin’ and its franchisees raised over $50,000 for the Victim’s Assistance Fund shortly after the tragedy and continue to step up to support this great organization.
The onePULSE Foundation was established by the Pulse nightclub owners to create a sanctuary of hope honoring the lives that were taken, the injured victims, and the first responders and healthcare professionals who cared for the victims. For more information on the onePULSE Foundation and the CommUNITY Rainbow Run, visit onepulsefoundation.org.
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