Applebee’s kicks off “Squeeze Out Childhood Cancer” fundraiser

Applebee’s has kicked off its “Squeeze Out Childhood Cancer” fundraiser for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), the largest independent charity in the U.S. dedicated to childhood cancer research and family support. 

In celebration of its 22-year partnership, Applebee’s aims to raise more than $1.5 million this year to help fund lifesaving research and provide critical support to families.

Now through August 30, Applebee’s will donate 50¢ to ALSF from every new Lemon Berry Sunshine sold for both dine-in and to go. Applebee’s restaurants nationwide will transform into “Lemonade Stands,” raising childhood cancer awareness and inviting guests and neighbors to join in the fight to end pediatric cancer.

At Applebee’s on Long Island owned by Doherty Enterprises, Applebee’s will donate 100% of the proceeds to Alex’s Lemonade Stand when customers buy a $1, $5, $10, etc. Paper Lemon Tag. Customers who order online at Applebees.com can add the Alex’s Lemonade Stand menu item to their cart to donate. Buy a featured “Mucho Backyard Blackberry Lemonade” cocktail and $0.25 will be donated back to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

Since the partnership first began in 2005, Applebee’s has raised more than $20 million for ALSF, including more than 2.2 million in 2025 alone, helping to fund more than 360,000 hours of pediatric cancer research for cures for all kids with cancer.

“We’re honored to celebrate 22 years of partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and to have raised more than $20 million to fund lifesaving pediatric cancer research,” said John Peyton, Applebee’s president and Dine Brands CEO. “At Applebee’s, we take Doin’ Good in the Neighborhood to heart and together with our franchisees and guests, look forward to raising more than ever this year.”

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of 4-year-old Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who was fighting cancer and wanted to raise money to find cures for all children with cancer. By the time Alex passed away at the age of 8, she had raised $1 million. 

Since then, the foundation bearing her name has evolved into a worldwide fundraising movement and the largest independent childhood cancer charity in the U.S. ALSF is a leader in funding pediatric cancer research projects across the globe and providing programs to families affected by childhood cancer. For more information, visit AlexsLemonade.org.