Applebee’s® is continuing its long-standing commitment to supporting children and families affected by cancer with the launch of its annual “Squeeze Out Childhood Cancer” fundraiser benefiting Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). The nationwide campaign marks the restaurant brand’s 22-year partnership with ALSF, one of the largest independent organizations in the United States dedicated to funding childhood cancer research and providing support programs for families facing pediatric cancer.
Through this year’s fundraising effort, Applebee’s aims to raise more than $1.5 million to help advance lifesaving pediatric cancer research and support ALSF’s mission of finding cures for all children battling cancer. The campaign reflects Applebee’s ongoing dedication to making a meaningful difference in local communities through its “Doin’ Good in the Neighborhood®” initiative.
Running through August 30, the fundraiser will feature multiple opportunities for guests to participate and contribute. Applebee’s will donate 50 cents from every NEW Lemon Berry Sunshine beverage sold at participating restaurants nationwide, whether purchased for dine-in or To Go orders, directly to ALSF. The limited-time beverage is part of Applebee’s effort to bring guests together while supporting a cause that has impacted thousands of children and families.
As part of the campaign, Applebee’s restaurants across the country will transform into “Lemonade Stands,” creating welcoming spaces where guests can learn more about childhood cancer awareness and support the fight against pediatric cancer. Local restaurants will encourage community members to get involved and help raise funds for ALSF’s important research and family assistance programs.
Since beginning its partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation in 2005, Applebee’s, along with its franchisees and guests, has raised more than $20 million for childhood cancer research and support initiatives. The partnership’s impact continues to grow, with more than $2.2 million raised in 2025 alone. These contributions have helped fund more than 360,000 hours of pediatric cancer research focused on developing improved treatments and finding cures for children worldwide.
“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 CEO of Dine Brands. “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.”
Throughout the campaign, Applebee’s guests can support ALSF in several convenient ways. Customers can enjoy the new Lemon Berry Sunshine beverage at their local Applebee’s restaurant, add digital lemon donations ranging from $1 to $20 when placing online or mobile app orders, or make a direct contribution to ALSF while purchasing an Applebee’s gift card online.
Guests are also encouraged to visit their local Applebee’s restaurants to discover additional opportunities to participate, as individual locations may offer special fundraising activities and community events in support of childhood cancer research.
Liz Scott, Alex Scott’s mother and Co-Executive Director of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, praised Applebee’s continued partnership and nationwide support.
“After 22 years, Applebee’s continues to be a committed partner who has shown tremendous support of our core mission,” said Scott. “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.”
The story behind Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation began with a simple idea from Alexandra “Alex” Scott, a four-year-old girl diagnosed with cancer who wanted to help find cures for children battling the disease. Inspired by her desire to make a difference, Alex set up a lemonade stand in her front yard to raise money for childhood cancer research. Before passing away at the age of eight, Alex had raised $1 million toward her goal.
Following Alex’s remarkable fundraising effort, the organization carrying her name grew into a global movement dedicated to supporting pediatric cancer research and families affected by childhood cancer. Today, ALSF funds innovative research projects around the world, provides resources and assistance to families, and works to accelerate progress toward better treatments and cures for children with cancer.
Applebee’s commitment to community support extends far beyond its partnership with ALSF. For more than 45 years, Applebee’s restaurants have worked to strengthen neighborhoods through charitable events, fundraising initiatives, and community-focused programs. Local franchisees regularly support children, schools, military members, community heroes, and nonprofit organizations through activities designed to address local needs.
The brand’s community efforts also include its annual Veterans Day program, where Applebee’s and its franchisees have served more than 12.7 million free meals to veterans and active-duty military members over the past 18 years. Each year, Applebee’s restaurants and franchise partners contribute millions of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours to causes that benefit communities across the country.
With the return of the “Squeeze Out Childhood Cancer” fundraiser, Applebee’s is inviting guests nationwide to enjoy a refreshing beverage, make a donation, and join the fight against childhood cancer. Through its continued partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, the brand hopes to bring communities together while helping fund research that can change the future for children and families affected by cancer.
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