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Mid Atlantic Dairy Queen is getting ready to celebrate its annual Miracle Treat Day for Children’s Miracle Network. 

Mid Atlantic DQ noted in a news release that on Thursday, July 27, its collection of 15 area DQ restaurants will join thousands of Dairy Queen locations across the country aiming to raise money for children’s health in their communities. 

“Every Blizzard Treat sold at participating Mid Atlantic Dairy Queen locations will result in a $1 donation to our local hospital, (Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters),” Mid Atlantic DQ officials stated. “The fundraiser has helped raise tens of thousands for the hospital in the past, and hopefully the success will continue in 2023.”

Area Dairy Queen franchisee Mitch Sandlin, owner of Mid Atlantic DQ, has recently surpassed $1.3 million in contributions to CHKD since 2020. This milestone brings Mid Atlantic DQ ever closer to its commitment to raise $5 million for the local hospital by the year 2030. Mid Atlantic Dairy Queen hopes to help make a difference in children’s mental health, and it has dedicated its donations to the new Children’s Mental Hospital at CHKD. 

Mitch Sandlin has stated, “This is the most important thing I’ve ever been a part of in my life.”

Mid Atlantic Dairy Queen represents DQ locations in Franklin, Courtland, Windsor, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Yorktown and Newport News. 

“This means that no matter where you live, you can enjoy a Blizzard while knowing part of the sale will go towards children’s mental health,” Mid Atlantic DQ officials stated. 

Participating locations can be found at dqhamptonroads.com. Blizzards ordered online through delivery partners like DoorDash and UberEats will also be eligible for the donation.  

JASON’S STORY REVEALS LOCAL IMPACT OF CHKD

Mid Atlantic DQ received a special visitor this year ahead of the big day. Jason Buntting, age 8, and his family showed up for a special photoshoot at the Dairy Queen in the Landstown Shopping Center in Virginia Beach. Jason’s mom, Cori, shared the impactful story of her son’s accident that resulted in the hospital discovering a major complication. 

Cori expressed gratitude to CHKD for saving her son’s life “twice” and thanked donors like Dairy  

Queen for the support that they give to the hospital. Cori told Jason’s story in a short video that was shared to Mid Atlantic Dairy Queen’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJqS209KrQA.  

“If you’re already a donor to the hospital, then give yourself a pat on the back for the amazing impact that you are making in Hampton Roads,” Mid Atlantic DQ officials said. “If you want to help the cause, then visit Mid Atlantic Dairy Queen locations on July 27th and simply enjoy a Blizzard.”

LEADERS IN COMMUNITY, NATION SUPPORT MIRACLE TREAT DAY

Mid Atlantic DQ earned recognition from a national sports star, a mental health coach at CHKD and the head of operations for Dairy Queens worldwide. The three prominent figures recorded heartfelt messages to encourage Hampton Roads to support Miracle Treat Day this year. 

Dan Kropp oversees operations for International Dairy Queen Companies, but he took time from his busy schedule to encourage Hampton Roads residents to “visit Mid Atlantic Dairy Queens on Thursday, July 27th,” where they “will be donating $1 from every Blizzard sold to your local children’s hospital.”

Jerimyah Dace, a mental health coach at CHKD, works daily with the kids there, and he said it is important for the community to “work together.” He provided this statement: “I know the importance of supporting CHKD’s Mental Health Initiative, but there’s an African proverb that says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ That’s why I’m inviting you to join me on Miracle Treat Day at participating Mid Atlantic Dairy Queen locations where $1 from every Blizzard comes right back here to CHKD. Together we can save lives, light the way and provide health, healing and hope for all children. Hope to see you there.”  

Chris Taylor, shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is a big advocate for CHKD. Addressing his fans, he said, “This Miracle Treat Day, I’m especially grateful for Mid Atlantic Dairy Queen’s support of my hometown hospital, the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters. One dollar from every Blizzard sold (that day) will support Mid Atlantic Dairy Queen’s $5 million pledge towards CHKD’s Mental Health Initiative — or support their pledge by rounding up your purchase all year round at participating Hampton Roads locations.”