NEW JERSEY – Applebee’s has launched its annual “Squeeze Out Childhood Cancer” fundraiser to benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), with a goal of raising more than $1.5 million this year to support childhood cancer research and families affected by pediatric cancer.
The fundraiser, which began Monday and runs through Aug. 30, marks the restaurant chain’s 22nd year partnering with ALSF, the nation’s largest independent charity dedicated to childhood cancer research and family support.
As part of the campaign, Applebee’s will donate 50 cents from every new Lemon Berry Sunshine beverage sold for dine-in and To Go orders. Restaurants nationwide also will raise awareness by transforming into “Lemonade Stands” and encouraging customers to support the cause.
Since the partnership began in 2005, Applebee’s has raised more than $20 million for the foundation, including more than $2.2 million in 2025, helping fund more than 360,000 hours of pediatric cancer research.
“We’re honored to celebrate 22 years of partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and to have raised more than $20 million to fund lifesaving pediatric cancer research,” said John Peyton, Applebee’s president and Dine Brands CEO. “At Applebee’s, we take Doin’ Good in the Neighborhood to heart and together with our franchisees and guests, look forward to raising more than ever this year!”
In addition to purchasing the featured beverage, guests can support the campaign by adding digital donations of $1, $5, $10 or $20 to online or mobile app orders, donating while purchasing Applebee’s gift cards online, or participating in fundraising efforts at their local restaurant.
“After 22 years, Applebee’s continues to be a committed partner who has shown tremendous support of our core mission,” said Liz Scott, Alex’s mom and Co-Executive Director of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. “Their prominence and national reach have helped to introduce countless people over the years to ALSF and raised more than $20 million in the fight against childhood cancer. We are so grateful to be a part of a community that is Doin’ Good in the Neighborhood across the country.”
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation was inspired by Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who began raising money for childhood cancer research through a front-yard lemonade stand while battling cancer. By the time she died at age 8, she had raised $1 million. Today, the organization funds pediatric cancer research worldwide and provides support programs for families affected by childhood cancer.
More information about the campaign is available at Applebees.com, and information about Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is available at AlexsLemonade.org.
