Graeter’s and The Cure Starts Now continues to pave the way for sufficient cancer research funding

Cincinnati, OH (September 28, 2023) — Cincinnati-based Graeter’s Ice Cream completed its annual Cones for the Cure campaign – an 11-day event that offers guests a unique way to support The Cure Starts Now and pediatric brain cancer research. This record-breaking year, Graeter’s will donate $290,000 as a result of guest support, company donations and ice cream sales of the seasonal favorite, Elena’s Blueberry Pie ice cream.

All 55 Graeter’s retail stores participated in this year’s fundraising effort, with many stores setting new individual records. The Cure Starts Now’s Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board, Keith Desserich shares, “Graeter’s has been an incredible partner for The Cure Starts Now for the last 15 years. We are so pleased with the results of this year’s campaign and are proud to have Graeter’s as part of The Cure Starts Now family. Their dedication to the cause has significantly helped us continue the fight for the Homerun Cure® for cancer.”

In addition to Cones for the Cure, Graeter’s also donates a portion of the proceeds from every pint of their seasonal ice cream flavor, Elena’s Blueberry Pie to The Cure Starts Now. The campaign continues to surpass donation goals year after year, demonstrating the community’s love for Elena’s Blueberry Pie ice cream.

“Ice cream is a family-centric business, and it’s our privilege to help families through the good times and the bad,” shares Chip Graeter, 4th generation Graeter’s family member. ”The Cones for the Cure annual event allows us to have a positive impact in the community and with the families we serve. This year’s donation not only surpassed previous years, but has led to a total of more than $1.675 million in donations from the Cones for the Cure event over the past decade. This has always been a great showing of families supporting families.”

About The Cure Starts Now

The Cure Starts Now was started in honor of 6-year-old Cincinnati girl, Elena Desserich, and her battle with DIPG. With over 44 chapters worldwide, The Cure Starts Now has quickly gained acclaim as one of the fastest growing cancer research charities and one of the first ones to advocate a homerun strategy for cancer research. Many experts believe that the lessons we learn from fighting pediatric brain cancer may in fact provide us the critical first step in winning the battle against all forms of cancer, both pediatric and adult. Since 2007, The Cure Starts Now has funded over $30 million in DIPG/Homerun Cure cancer research and support with their collaborative partners in over 17 countries worldwide.