By Matthew Bean

NORFOLK

Area DQ franchisee, Mitch Sandlin, owner of Mid-Atlantic Dairy Queen, a collection of 14 local DQ restaurants, has been awarded the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Miracle Maker award for his contributions to the Children’s Hospital of King’s Daughters in Norfolk.

This recognition is awarded annually by International Dairy Queen Inc. to one U.S. DQ franchisee who represents the best of the brand when it comes to their commitment to helping local kids.

“Mitch (Sandlin) and his team have been stalwart supporters and champions for kids in Virginia for many years” said Dan Kropp, Chief Operating Officer of International Dairy Queen Inc. “We’re proud to be able to recognize him and his team for their ongoing contributions.”

This year alone, Sandlin’s stores are on pace to contribute more than $200,000 to the children’s hospital. These contributions raised by Mid-Atlantic Dairy Queen support programs like child life, Buddy Brigade pet therapy, art and music therapy, cultural language services and other services that aren’t reimbursable by insurance. The child life specialists work with patients and families to help children feel more comfortable and more in control of their hospital stay. Using age-appropriate interventions, they help children understand their illnesses and medical procedures and develop positive coping skills.

“DQ fans and my team at Mid-Atlantic Dairy Queen deserve all the credit” Sandlin says. “They make the commitment every day to making our restaurants places that give back to our community, and we’re proud of that.”

“We are incredibly grateful for Mitch Sandlin’s commitment to CHKD’s mission and Mid-Atlantic Dairy Queen’s significant contributions to Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters over the past 35 years. We extend our warmest congratulations to him on this well-deserved award in honor of his dedication and support of our children,” said Jim Dahling, CHKD president and CEO.

“I am thrilled to congratulate Mitch Sandlin on receiving Dairy Queen’s Miracle Maker Award in recognition of his tireless efforts to support the patients and families at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters. For 35 years Mitch has lived up to this title, making miracles for our patients at CHKD, through fundraising events, Blizzard donations and hospital visits. Mitch has always made CHKD a priority, and we’re delighted that he’s being recognized for his commitment. Sandlin first got started with DQ in 1965 and began his own business in 1972 and now owns 14 locations in and around Norfolk. He credits the DQ brand’s

commitment to community as one of the main reasons he chose to get started with the popular food and treat brand 54 years ago.” added Kathryn Ryan, CHKD Development Officer.”

In addition to the work Sandlin does for the Children’s Hospital of King’s Daughters, Sandlin also spearheaded an annual Veterans Day promotion that rewards local veterans with a free Blizzard Treat on Veterans Day each year at participating DQ locations across the country.

If you would like to help, all Mid-Atlantic DQ locations will be accepting round up donations at the register for Children’s Hospital of King’s Daughters through the end of December.

For more information, contact Matthew Bean, director of Marketing with Mid-Atlantic Dairy Queen LLC at 346-8632.