Fundraiser For The Rainbow Connection Planned By Penn Station

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI — Penn Station East Coast Subs is partnering with Rochester-based The Rainbow Connection to bring the dreams of seriously ill children in Michigan to life. From May 8 through May 14, all 12 local Penn Station restaurants will donate $1 from every sandwich sold to The Rainbow Connection. Guests also will be able to donate to The Rainbow Connection in the restaurant and will receive a coupon for a free fresh-cut fry in appreciation of their donation.

Participating Penn Station restaurants include Rochester, Clinton Township, Novi, Plymouth, Taylor, Madison Heights, Beverly Hills, Fort Gratiot, Sterling Heights, Warren, Westland and Woodhaven.

“The Rainbow Connection depends on the generosity of our community and are so grateful to be partnering with Penn Station East Coast Subs,” said Brenda Moore, head of community development for The Rainbow Connection. “Working together we will make a difference for the children we serve locally and their families.”

Bernie Marconi, owner of the Rochester and Clinton Township Penn Station locations, and his wife Linda began this partnership and have committed to supporting the Rainbow Connection year-round.

“The Rainbow Connection makes a huge impact on the lives of local children and their families who need our help,” said Bernie Marconi. “We’re thrilled to be able to partner with them and raise money to support their mission.”

From a magical trip to Disney World to meeting the president of the United States at the White House, The Rainbow Connection has fulfilled thousands of dreams for children throughout Michigan. The Rainbow Connection has never turned a child away and depends on the generosity of the Michigan community to make dreams come true for these brave children.

The Rainbow Connection also addresses the special needs of its “wish families.” Wish Director Ingrid Todt explains: “The entire family is turned upside down for a long time but many of these kids are cured or have limited restrictions and go on to live full and happy lives. We see these children acquire wisdom and a love of life that many of us may not know until much later in life.”

The Special Response Program assists families with financial difficulties brought on by expenses of having a child with a catastrophic illness, such as rent, utilities and even funeral expenses. The Wish Enhancement Program provides fun times for these children and their families through summer picnics, a holiday party and tickets to attend area theaters, concerts and sporting events. The Rainbow Connection Scholarship Program offers $1,000 scholarships each year for wish children going on to college.

Penn Station East Coast Subs, the fast-casual restaurant known for its grilled, made-to-order sub sandwiches, hand-squeezed lemonade and fresh-cut fries, was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1985. Penn Station has more than 310 locations in 15 states. Penn Station was named one of the Best Franchises to Buy by Forbes in 2016 and one of the Best Franchise Deals by QSR Magazine in 2016.Projections call for the opening of 15 to 20 restaurants nationwide in 2017.

For more information about The Rainbow Connection, please call 248-601-9474 or visit www.rainbowconnection.org.