Penn Station East Coast Subs Supports DSNWV

Background

Penn Station was started by Jeff Osterfeld in Cincinnati in 1985. The restaurant chain has since expanded to more than 300 stores in 13 states and continues to grow.

Penn Station and Jeff Osterfeld have been long-time supporters of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati (DSAGC). For many years, they have sponsored the DSAGC’s annual golf outing. Jeff also personally supports the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network (the national program operated by the DSAGC). This cause is very near and dear to Jeff, as he has several close friends who now have teenage and adult children with Down syndrome. In addition, other franchise owners and Penn Station staff also have personal connections to Down syndrome.

Jeff approached the DSAGC about making Down syndrome the corporate philanthropic cause for Penn Station. In 2019, Penn Station piloted a “round-up” campaign. in the Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio markets, where customers were able to round up their purchase to the next dollar amount or specify a $1, $2 or $5 donation. The 21-day campaign raised nearly $30,000.

Launch of a National Campaign

Due to the success of the pilot initiative, Penn Station launched a national campaign in 2020. More than 300 stores in 13 states participated in the Round Up for Down Syndrome Campaign. All funds raised stay in the local community and support a Down syndrome organization serving that market area.

Because each local Down syndrome organization is independent and has a unique name and logo, it was decided to utilize one common logo for the national marketing. The Down syndrome awareness logo was created in Ohio for the implementation of statewide license plates that support Down syndrome. The logo is also used in relation to all Ohio state-wide collaborations. The Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action has also used this logo to create websites for each state with listing of the Ds affiliates. This logo will provide a common image within all markets.

In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic causing many stores to suspend in-person dining during the final week of the 2020 campaign, the first national campaign exceeded initial fundraising goals. More than $160,000 was raised through the Round Up campaign.

In addition to the funds raised at the local level, Penn Station, Inc. (corporate office) also makes an annual donation to the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network.

Campaign Information

General Information

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From March 1-21 customers at all Penn Station locations have the opportunity to round-up or donate to support the participating local Down syndrome organization.

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If customers round up $2 or more, they receive a Buy 1 Get 1 (free small sandwich) coupon to use on their next visit (expiration date will be noted on coupon).

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All funds raised at the Penn Station locations will support participating local Down syndrome organizations. (Please note: Some organizations cover multiple Penn Station markets and will receive the funds raised in all markets that they cover. Some markets are covered by multiple Down syndrome organizations. Funds raised in these markets will be split between the organizations in their area.)