Big O backing Alex's Lemonade Stand — again

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Big O Tires franchisees have agreed to support Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation — a non-profit organization dedicated to finding cures for all childhood cancer — for the 11th straight year.

Throughout August, Big O customers will have the opportunity to make an in-store donation to the non-profit. In return, customers will receive a Big O Tires discount card good for future services, according to TBC Corp., owner of the Big O franchise program.

Customers will get a $5 discount on an oil change for a donation of $5 or more, according to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), or $25 off a purchase of $100 or more.

"For the past 11 years, Big O Tires has been a proud supporter of Alex's Lemonade," said Kim McBee, vice president of marketing for Big O Tires.

"It is our hope that this year's 'Put the Brakes on Childhood Cancer' initiative will assist with raising awareness for the foundation and funds for the cause."

Over the past decade, Big O franchisees, customers and corporate employees have donated more than $500,000 to ALSF, TBC said.

A registered 501(c)3 charity, ALSF emerged from the front-yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra "Alex" Scott (1996-2004). In 2000, then 4-year-old Alex announced she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer.

Since then, ALSF events have raised more than $140 million toward finding a cure, funding more than 690 pediatric cancer research projects nationally.