PANERA’S INAUGURAL ‘CHIP IN FOR CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH’ CAMPAIGN TO BENEFIT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF GEORGIA MAY 9-22
Proceeds from Panera’s famous Chocolate Chipper cookies to benefit the cause
Covelli Enterprises, the largest franchisee of Panera Bread, is partnering with Children’s Hospital of Georgia through the launch of its inaugural Chip in for Children’s Mental Health campaign. In honor of Children’s Mental Health Awareness month, from May 9-22, a portion of proceeds from all Chocolate Chipper cookies sold at eight Covelli-owned and operated Panera Bread locations in Savannah, Augusta, Statesboro and Hinesville, Georgia, and Aiken, South Carolina, will support this vital initiative.
“In the past several years mental health has become a focal point in our country. The need for mental and behavioral health services are at an all-time high, especially among children and young adults,” said Sam Covelli, CEO and Owner of Covelli Enterprises.” At Covelli Enterprises we see it as our duty to do our part to support organizations such as Children’s Hospital of Georgia that are at the forefront of addressing this crucial need within our communities.”
Approximately 56% of Georgia’s children have experienced some form of trauma by the time they reach age 17. Children’s Hospital of Georgia recently committed to make mental health services for children a top priority for care.
“Children’s Hospital of Georgia relies on support from community partners to not only raise the funds needed to support the hospital but also increase awareness of the services the hospital offers,” said Dr. Valera Hudson, Pediatrician-In-Chief of Children’s Hospital of Georgia. “Pediatric behavioral health and wellness issues are on the rise across the nation. Thanks to fundraising partners like Panera, we can begin to tackle some of the issues in an environment conducive for kids.”
Future phases at Children’s Hospital of Georgia include providing care five days a week; adding rehabilitation services such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, a dietitian and neurologist; establishing a neuropsychological testing center; and ultimately, creating a Center of Excellence for children facing mental health challenges.
Children’s Hospital of Georgia will also benefit during the months of May and June from the company’s Operation Dough-Nation program, which encourages customers to make monetary donations in boxes located at the register in Panera Bread bakery-cafes.
Chocolate Chipper cookies can be purchased online at www.panerabread.com or on the Panera app for Rapid Pick-Up, Curbside, Delivery, and Catering. The Panera Chocolate Chipper, a traditional favorite, is sold in all Covelli-owned and operated Panera Bread cafés. The cookie is made with semi-sweet chocolate chunks and milk chocolate flakes and is made completely free of any artificial flavors, additives, or preservatives.