White Castle customer and employees raised $500,100 for Autism Speaks by selling puzzle pieces for one month in over 400 restaurants, the company said in a statement on Monday.
The campaign went on from July 22 to August 18 in 12 states nationwide and set a campaign record for a third straight year. An Autism Speaks Puzzle Piece retailed for $1 each. ,It is the nation's largest research and advocacy organization for autism.
"We've seen a 16 percent increase in puzzle piece purchases compared to 2011," said Jamie Richardson, vice president of White Castle in the statement.
"We're fortunate that our Cravers and team members have such a strong commitment to our company and support an organization that we care about. It's because of our generous customers and hamburger heroes that we raised more than a half-million dollars this year."
White Castle sold 500,100 puzzle pieces this year, up 65,100 from last year. Since 2010, White Castle has donated $1,819,100 to Autism Speaks from multiple fundraising efforts like the puzzle piece campaign and the sales of the steam-grilled-on-a-bed-of-onions Original Slider candle.
