(Photo courtesy of Dutch Bros)
Friday, May 11, more than 300 Dutch Bros locations across seven states celebrated the 12th Drink One For Dane day by raising a record-breaking $1,351,780 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The annual event honors Dane Boersma, who co-founded Dutch Bros with his brother, Travis, in 1992 and passed away from ALS in 2009. Thanks to an outpouring of love and support from customers, Dutch Bros surpassed its $1 million goal for the day and has now raised $4.8 million in total for the MDA.
Surrounded by his Dutch Bros family at the original location in Grants Pass, Travis Boersma said, “It’s hard to believe that all this time has passed, and here we are on the biggest fundraising day in Dutch Bros history… Today is an opportunity not only to raise funds, but to give gratitude and respect to all the people who have suffered at the hands of this disease.”
In 2005, Dane Boersma was diagnosed with ALS. In 2007, Dutch Bros held its inaugural Drink One For Dane fundraiser. Back then, with only 100 locations, the goals were simple – to raise awareness and help support other individuals and families affected by this incurable disease. In 2009, the Boersma family lost Dane “the wiseman” to ALS, but carried on with the campaign as a testament to the massive impact he had on the people he encountered. Today, the heart and mission of the fundraiser are stronger than ever, even for those who never met Dane – find a cure and put an end to ALS.
“To so many people he was a selfless leader and a symbol for all that we do, every good cause we rally around,” said Brant Boersma about his father, Dane. “To me, I was just lucky enough to call him dad. I know he’d be proud of everything his family, company and community have accomplished.”
Proceeds from Drink One For Dane benefit the MDA, the world’s leader in the fight against muscle-debilitating diseases, including ALS. ALS is an unforgiving disease that affects the parts of the nervous system that control muscle movement. Although victims maintain their awareness, they are increasingly unable to control speaking, breathing or moving. Research continues into understanding the root cause of the disease, which remains a mystery, and finding a cure. Time is of the essence, as those who are diagnosed typically succumb to the disease within three to five years.
“We are truly grateful for the ongoing commitment Dutch Bros has demonstrated in helping MDA with its mission to find a cure for ALS,” said MDA president and CEO Lynn O’Connor Vos. “With Travis’ leadership and dedication, the enthusiasm of the employees at over 300 Dutch Bros locations and the many thousands of customers that ‘drank one for Dane,’ MDA continues to be the leader in funding research to find treatments and cures to give everyone diagnosed with ALS a fighting chance.”
About Dutch Bros
Dutch Bros Coffee is the country’s largest privately held, drive-thru coffee company, with more than 300 locations and 9,000 employees in seven states. Headquartered in Grants Pass, Oregon, where it was founded in 1992 by Dane and Travis Boersma, brothers of Dutch descent. Dutch Bros serves specialty coffee, smoothies, freezes, teas, a private-label Dutch Bros Blue Rebel energy drink and nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee. Its rich, proprietary coffee blend is handcrafted from start to finish: each ingredient is measured, every process timed and each cup perfected.
With a mission to serve as a role model in the community and commitment to doing the right thing, Dutch Bros donates more than $2 million annually to nonprofit organizations and local causes selected by local owner-operators. To learn more about Dutch Bros, visit www.dutchbros.com, like Dutch Bros Coffee on Facebook or follow @DutchBros on Twitter.
