PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — This Friday you could Drink One for Dane, an effort by Dutch Bros to help fund and find a cure for ALS.
The Grants Pass-based drive-thru coffee company will host their 12th annual fundraiser in honor of their co-founder, Dane Boersma, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2007 and died 2 years later. The event — nicknamed D14D — helps to bring awareness to the community and support those affected by ALS.
Karl Schwartz, the assistant manager at the Dutch Bros location in Northeast Portland, said this effort shows “just how much of an impact he has from beyond.”
This year, Dutch Bros is looking to raise $1 million through their fundraiser, which continues through the weekend at the Thorns and Timbers games at Providence Park. Dutch Bros officials said all the proceeds from the Thorns and Timbers games this weekend will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association through D14D.
“Held in honor of my brother Dane, who co-founded Dutch Bros with me, this event encapsulates his spirit, which remains a guiding force for Dutch Bros,” Travis Boersma said in a statement. We are truly moved by how our communities continue to embrace his legacy and all those impacted by ALS.”
In a heartfelt video posted in the past few days on YouTube, Dutch Bros co-workers remembered Dane for everything that he did.
This year’s goal is slightly higher than the $970,000 raised through all 283 Dutch Bros locations in 2017. To date, Dutch Bros has donated $3.5 million to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
“It still affects us,” Schwartz said. “We’re still ready to help just because of this man.”
To Drink One for Dane, just go to any Dutch Bros location in 7 states on Friday, May 11. Your favorite latte could help find a cure for other families.