16 Handles Frozen Yogurt Raises $10,000 For New York Cares

All 16 Handles Yogurt Shops based in New York partnered with New York Cares, New York City’s largest volunteer organization, to create a new flavor, New York Cares Cheesecake that launched in September 2012. Proceeds made from the sale of New York Cares Cheesecake raised $10,000 for the nonprofit organization, New York Cares.

16 Handles, today’s most innovative frozen yogurt brand, has raised $10,000 for New York Cares, New York City’s largest volunteer organization. The donation is made possible from proceeds generated from the sale of New York Cares Cheesecake, a co-branded flavor that launched in September and was sold in all New York based 16 Handles stores.

16 Handles CE-Yo! and New York Cares Exceutive Director

From left, Solomon Choi, 16 Handles founder and CE-Yo! and Gary Bagley, New York Cares Executive Director, toast to raising $10,000 for New York Cares. 16 Handles partnered with New York Cares to create New York Cares Cheesecake, a co-branded flavor designed to give back to the local community. Courtesy 16 Handles

The $10,000 donation will support New York Cares in its quest to identify the toughest problems facing New York City’s nonprofits, city agencies, and public schools and mobilize caring New Yorkers to volunteer in service.

“16 Handles was born in New York City and keeping the Big Apple a safe and clean place to live, work and play will always remain an important cause to our brand,” said Solomon Choi, 16 Handles founder and CE-Yo! “Volunteering is a selfless way to make a difference, and we’re excited to give back to New York Cares, the ultimate facilitators of volunteerism.”

The launch of New York Cares Cheesecake marked the first co-branded, philanthropic initiative between the two New-York headquartered organizations. In addition to donating a portion of all proceeds resulting from flavor sales sold across all of its New York-based stores, 16 Handles will support several upcoming New York Cares events and fundraisers designed to thank the many volunteers who graciously donate their personal time and energy to lend a hand to local New Yorkers in need.

About 16 Handles

Founded in 2008 by foodservice industry expert Solomon Choi, 16 Handles was first to pioneer the self-service frozen yogurt concept in New York City. With 28 locations across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and Florida, 16 Handles urges every guest to Flaunt Their Flavor™ by offering 16 handles of premium frozen yogurt, along with a complementary toppings bar featuring more than 50 items. The company continues to expand rapidly and forecasts that 40 stores will be open by the end of 2012. An eco conscious company committed to sustainability, 16 Handles uses biodegradable packaging and spoons, while each store plants 16 trees per day though an ongoing partnership with Trees for the Future. For more information visit 16handles.com.

About New York Cares

New York Cares is New York City’s largest volunteer organization. Founded 25 years ago, New York Cares runs volunteer programs for 1,200 New York City nonprofits, city agencies, and public schools across the five boroughs. Last year, 54,000 New York Cares volunteers served on hands-on volunteer projects helping 400,000 New Yorkers in need. New York Cares offers a full range of volunteer programs that meet critical social needs, including helping children learn to read, preparing meals for homeless and housebound people, helping low income students get into college, and much more. For more information, visit newyorkcares.org.