Giving

Committed to Making a Difference...

Ever since he operated a single store in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, Jersey Mike’s founder, Peter Cancro has believed in giving back to the community. His passion for helping others has resonated throughout the Jersey Mike’s system, resulting in an incredible outpouring of local giving and community support from Jersey Mike’s stores across the country. Our “Giving” cup series celebrates these great stories of caring that have become a part of the Jersey Mike’s culture.

Month of Giving: March 2013

During the month of March, customers are invited to come into their local Jersey Mike’s restaurant and make a donation to that location’s designated charity partner. The campaign will culminate in the nationwide event, Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 27 when 100% of the day’s sales are donated to the local partner charity.

Learn more about Month of Giving 2013

Month of Giving: March 2012

Jersey Mike’s Subs aficionados throughout the country made a substantial difference in children’s lives this March during the popular sub chain’s second annual “Month of Giving” by helping to raise nearly $858,000 for 74 different charities nationwide. The recipients ranged from children’s hospital foundations to youth and family services organizations.

Learn more about Month of Giving 2012

Wreaths Across America

Jersey Mike's Subs celebrates "Christmas in July" in a nationwide fundraising campaign for Wreaths Across America. From June 27 through July 11, Jersey Mike's stores throughout the nation collect donations for this non-profit organization, which lays thousands of wreaths at the graves of the nation's veterans in the Christmas season.

Learn More About Our Partnership with Wreath Across America

Mike’s Way to a Cure^®

Jersey Mike’s Subs goes pink, launching a six-month fundraiser, “Mike’s Way to a Cure®,” benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Starting in May, the multi-faceted initiative will run through October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Our Latest Efforts:

Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving: Bert’s Big Adventure: April 11, 2013 • Atlanta, GA
Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving: Steven’s Hope for Children: April 11, 2013 • Upland, CA
Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving: Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer: April 11, 2013 • Dallas, TX
Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving: Quantum House: April 11, 2013 • Jupiter, FL
Jersey Mike’s Subs Raises $1.7M For Charities During Nationwide “Month of Giving”: April 11, 2013 • Manasquan, NJ
Jersey Mike's Culture of Giving: August 3, 2012
Make a Difference Day 2012 Video: August 3, 2012
Jersey Mike’s Subs Celebrates Non-profits With Inspiring Cup Messages: July 10, 2012 • Manasquan, NJ
Jersey Mike’s Subs Will Match Donations During Two-week Wreaths Across America Promotion: July 2, 2012 • Manasquan, NJ & Columbia Falls, ME
Jersey Mike’s Subs Raises $858k For Children’s Charities During Nationwide “Month of Giving”: April 17, 2012 • Manasquan, NJ
$1.1 Million+ Raised for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®: November 30, 2011
Wreaths Across America Receives $100,000 Donation from Jersey Mike’s Subs to Help Honor Every Veteran Buried at Arlington National Cemetery: November 14, 2011 • Columbia Falls, ME & Manasquan, NJ; See All Our Giving Stories

Explore Our Cup Series:

Pick a story below to see that cup and read more how our franchisees helped the community.

Dennis Walters Golf Show: “If there is something you really want to do – no matter how impossible it may seem – with enough hard work and perseverance you can do it,” says Dennis Walters. He should know. Dennis is the only person paralyzed below the waist who earns a living as a professional golfer. The Dennis Walters Show tours the country each summer bringing its unique, entertaining and inspirational program to children ages 8-18. Dennis’ program is one not only of golf lessons, but also life lessons as he tells his life story and challenges the audience to reach for their dreams. Wherever Dennis spreads his inspirational message, Jersey Mike’s is there handing out free subs to the kids and supporting this important cause.
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta: When Ron Longo, an Atlanta-area franchisee lost his grandson Benjamin Felder, he wanted to do something to honor Ben’s memory. When Atlanta area franchisees wanted to make a difference with a local charity, they had an easy time deciding what charity to support. The Atlanta area locations teamed up to make a donation on Ben’s behalf to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The donation was a way for Longo to honor his grandson and also a way to thank the men and women of Children's for their love and support in their treatment of Ben. During a month-long campaign, the Atlanta stores donated $1 for every #13 sub that was sold. They raised $20,300 for Children's. Ben Felder's mom, brother, grandmother and grandfather Ron were all on hand for the check presentation. The money went to the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Children’s.
Autism Speaks: Jersey Mike’s Charlotte area store owners cared about kids with autism. So they decided to do something about it. Jersey Mike’s Charlotte area stores donated 50% of their sales from one day to benefit Autism Speaks, an international non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of autism and raising money to fund autism research. The total donation amounted to $9,319. “We’re very proud of the effort put forth by the entire co-op to support this important cause,” said Bob Katz, Co-op President. Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. One in 166 children is now diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, including one in 104 boys. Another child is diagnosed every 20 minutes.
FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties: Local franchisees at the Jersey Shore wanted to make a difference in the community, so they teamed up with The Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties to help feed children during the summer months when school feeding programs are inactive. The Co-op donated $1.00 for every giant #13 and $.50 for every regular #13 sold during May 2006. The program resulted in a $7,609 donation presented to the Foodbank. The Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties distributes over 3 million pounds of food a year through its 275 feeding programs in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, NJ. Almost 70,000 people, many of them working poor, are served each year including 19,000 children.
American Red Cross: During September 2007, North Carolina’s Triangle-based Jersey Mike’s stores partnered with the American Red Cross to increase awareness for the need of life-saving donations. As an incentive to Triangle residents, over 20 Jersey Mike’s Subs located throughout the Raleigh-Durham area pledged to give a free combo meal to anyone who donated blood by way of the American Red Cross Triangle donation centers. The partnership between Jersey Mike’s Subs and the American Red Cross drove 2,074 people into the four Triangle donation centers, and resulted in doubling the amount of donations during the months. Plus, 2,074 people enjoyed a free lunch on Jersey Mike’s.
St. John's Healthcare Foundation: Jersey Mike’s stores in Ventura County, CA wanted to give back to the communities they serve. So they sold #13 subs for a great cause. For every #13 sold in each of the area’s ten stores during October 2007, $1.00 was donated to St. John’s Healthcare Foundation benefiting St. John’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The St. John’s NICU team provides high tech and high touch care to the tiniest to the largest newborn babies of the Community. They have the most active neonatal transport team in the area and serve families from all over Ventura County. Jersey Mike’s stores raised $15,013 for the cause, which was designated to purchase another much needed incubator for the neonatal intensive care unit.
Michael Stanley Child Life Fund: Jersey Mike’s Subs of middle Tennessee rallied for a heartfelt cause. Learning about the ordeal of four-year old Michael Stanley and the compassionate care he received at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, the team of stores jumped into action. A special promotion for Giant and Regular subs was vigorously initiated. The promotion was advanced with billboards, direct mail, and in-store enthusiasm. When all was said and done, an amazing $16,978 was contributed on behalf of Jersey Mike’s Subs. “The commitment of our middle Tennessee stores was inspiring,” said Jim Wardrop, Co-op President. “When we give back to our local community, everyone benefits.”
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Department Explorer Program: The owners and staff of Jersey Mike’s Subs in Saugus, CA thanked their loyal fans on the day of their restaurant’s 1st anniversary, offering free subs to all customers. Those partaking were invited to give a contribution to the local Sheriff's department in support of their Explorer's program. The program is run by the Sheriff's department as a means of getting young boys and girls to get a better focus on their life through discipline, community service, and guidance. Many of these young people pursue a career in law enforcement as a result of having been an Explorer. The store gave away nearly 1,000 subs that day and $1,779.28 was contributed to the Explorers’ program.
Life of Riley Foundation: When franchisees Bill and Kathleen Schulte moved to Sarasota, FL to open their first Jersey Mike's Subs, they wanted to connect with a local charity that had personal ties to the community. Through a mutual friend they were introduced to Kelly and Ron Saba, whose daughter, Riley, died of a brain tumor at the age of 7. The Saba’s created The Life of Riley Foundation in her memory, raising awareness of and funding research for pediatric brain tumors as well as assisting families whose children have these tumors. Throughout the years, the Schulte’s have hosted special fundraising events advocating for the charity including “Jersey Night” and an annual Golf Tournament. Since teaming up with the Life of Riley Foundation, they've raised more than $20,000 for its cause. "We are so very fortunate to have met this incredible group of people who work so hard to help others," said Kathleen Schulte. Visit www.lifeofrileyfoundation.org.
MUSC Health Hollings Cancer Center: Jersey Mike’s Subs in the Charleston, SC area sold their #7 sub for a great cause. What’s a number seven you may ask? It’s Jersey Mike’s famous Turkey and Provolone Sub, served in authentic northeast style with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, red wine vinegar, olive oil blend and spices. During the month long campaign, for every #7 sub sold at Jersey Mike’s five local stores, $1.00 was contributed to Hollings Cancer Center. The total donation amounted to $2,104. “Hollings Cancer Center is one of the nation’s leading cancer research hospitals,” said Jay Yates, Jersey Mike’s owner and SC Area Director. “I applaud and thank our local stores for raising funds and awareness for such an important cause.”
Boys & Girls Club of America: From coast to coast, Jersey Mike’s Subs joined together contributing more than $50,000 to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). The main event was a nationwide fundraiser for the charity in which Free Regular Sub with $1 donation coupons were distributed with contributions earmarked for BGCA and its ongoing effort to help young people reach their full potential in a safe environment. When Jersey Mike’s CEO and Founder Peter Cancro introduced this national fundraising initiative, he said, “The economy has many companies cutting back on philanthropic efforts which means deserving organizations will suffer – we can’t let that happen.” For more information on Boys and Girls Clubs of America, visit BGCA.org.
UCLA Hunger Project: When franchisees Marvin Barsky and Summer Middleton opened their restaurant in Westwood, CA, they wanted to make a difference in their new community. “We may be near the heart of West L.A., but this is a hometown store,” Marvin said. “The fundraiser helped out our next door neighbor – the Hunger Project at UCLA, a fantastic student-run organization committed to fighting homelessness and hunger.” There were people lined up around the block to enjoy a free sub and support the Hunger Project. The combined energy of the Jersey Mike’s team, the Hunger Project volunteers, and hundreds of community advocates, helped to raise over $1,500 on the store’s grand opening day!
Special Olympics North Carolina: Each July, Special Olympics of North Carolina holds its annual Midsummer Tournament in Raleigh and Cary, NC. Jersey Mike’s owners and staffs have become essential partners in this event gladly giving of their time, talent, and subs to support the tournament. Together, they provide more than 1,100 lunches for the athletes and coaches annually. “On behalf of the Greater Raleigh Co-op, we are proud to support Special Olympics and give the athletes a healthy lunch during competition,” said Rich Domanski, Co-op President.
Interfaith Neighbors: As part of its national initiative to give back to the community it serves, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems continued its support of Interfaith Neighbors in Asbury Park, NJ with a $25,000 contribution. Founded in 1988, Interfaith Neighbors is a non-profit organization that assists working poor families and elderly residents to meet their basic housing and nutrition needs. “I continue to be impressed with Interfaith Neighbors. They have an outstanding track record where ninety-seven cents of every dollar contributed goes directly into community-based programs. We are proud to support this awe inspiring organization,” said Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike’s Founder and CEO.
The First Tee: Jersey Mike’s, in conjunction with The First Tee, brings a message of hope (and subs!) to thousands of underprivileged children by sponsoring inspirational events throughout the country. The First Tee, an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, strives to give young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop, through golf and character education, life-enhancing values such as honesty, integrity and sportsmanship. “We are proud to partner with The First Tee, an organization that shares our commitment to America’s youth,” said Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike’s Founder and CEO. “Giving back to the community has always been a principle ingredient of Jersey Mike’s culture.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters: The Jersey Mike’s Subs stores of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, NJ recently donated $10,000 to the local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters. “Our stores employ many young adults and we believe strongly in mentoring,” said Jim Van Nostrand, owner of Jersey Mike’s in Point Pleasant. “Big Brothers Big Sisters is a recognized leader in mentoring.” Big Brothers Big Sisters of Monmouth County prides itself on being a premier one-to-one volunteer mentoring agency, celebrating its 32nd year of service to over 6,000 children in the local community.
Holiday Express: Nearly 2,900 New Jersey National Guard members are deployed overseas. Holiday Express Founder, Tim McLoone, a former National Guard mechanic himself, said that the group is dedicated to bringing hope and holiday cheer to people who do not have as much time or money to enjoy the holidays as others. More than 600 families came together for the 16th annual Holiday Party thrown especially for them. The crew at the Jersey Mike’s Point Pleasant Beach store, who started at 4 a.m., made enough subs to feed over 1,400 National Guard members and volunteers.