Posted by Blizz Prez under Blizzard on July 27th, 2010
Hey fans! Have you tried the new Pecan Pie Blizzard treat yet? It’s the Blizzard of the Month for July and it’s almost gone. They say that good things come to those who wait, but in this case the only thing that’ll happen by waiting is that you won’t get one and that’s not good. But this Blizzard treat is good, really good. So good that if I had to rate it, I’d give it an almost perfect rating of 9 out of 10. So get out and try one and then come back and give it your own rating. For those of you that have already tried it, what would you rate it?
Allow me to introduce you to nine-year-old Kaitlin Clutter of Manchester, N.J. She is one of the thousands of reasons to support Miracle Treat Day on Thursday, August 5 when participating Dairy Queen® and DQ® Grill & Chill® locations across the U.S. will donate at least $1 from every Blizzard® Treat sold to benefit Children’s Miracle Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals. Kaitlin is an amazing young lady. I had the good fortune of meeting her when the DQ Blizzardmobile tour kicked-off in New York to celebrate the 25th birthday of the Blizzard Treat and raise money and awareness for Children’s Miracle Network.
While it might not seem like a big deal that Kaitlin came out before the crack of dawn to join us in announcing the tour on the CBS Early Show and then came to Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Jersey to help us hand out Blizzard Treats to the staff and hospitalized children, believe me it is. You see, Kaitlin was born with Spina Bifida, a malformation of the spine and spinal cord that comes with a host of complications. Kaitlin has faced hydrocephalus; a tethered spinal cord; severe club feet; bowel, bladder and kidney problems; reflux; asthma; and paralysis of the lower legs.
But, there she was on that day in April, smiling and enjoying a Blizzard Treat on national television and then helping serve Blizzard Treats at the hospital.
What strikes you when you meet her, aside from her cute freckled face, is her unbridled enthusiasm and incredible spirit. She brought Blizzard Treats to all of the kids in the hospital lobby who were too sick to come outside, actually asking the nurses if she bring them Blizzard Treats as well.
At one point, the lobby was empty except for the guard at the desk and me. Kaitlin, with a smile on her face and a bounce in her step, said to the guard, “Hi, how are you doing today? Did you get your Blizzard?” When the guard answered no, she quickly turned on her heels and bounced back outside to get the guard his Blizzard Treat.
What’s hard to believe when you meet her, is that doctors told Kaitlin’s parents when she was born that she’d have such severe complications she’d never perform the most basic tasks. She would never crawl, walk, see, hear, speak, learn or eat. But, good thing for all us — no one ever told Kaitlin that. She has made it through every hurdle and every surgery she’s faced. This is a fantastic young lady whose smile from ear to ear is contagious.
Thanks to the miracles performed at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the country, kids like Kaitlin are given a chance. In Kaitlin’s case, it’s our chance to enjoy the bright smile and infectious personality she shares with all who meet her.
So, we hope to see you at one of our participating Dairy Queen locations on August 5th for Miracle Treat Day. I know Kaitlin will be there sharing a smile and a story.
Posted by Blizz Prez under Blizzard on July 20th, 2010
Hi there, Blizzard Buds, this is the moment you’ve all been waiting for. Are you ready to guess the Blizzard treat? Take a look at the photo below and give me your best guess. Good luck…
Posted by Blizz Prez under Blizzard on July 1st, 2010
Hey fans! As you know, Sunday is the Fourth of July, America’s Independence Day. It’s a time to reflect on our country’s freedom and pay tribute to our founding fathers. Just think, if it weren’t for them we might not have the freedom to go out and buy our favorite Blizzard treat whenever we want. Can you imagine what life would be like without…sorry, I’m tearing up just thinking about it. That surely would be a tragedy.
So while you’re on your way to see the fireworks this weekend, make sure you grab a Blizzard treat. And when the fireworks start, raise your cup to Blizzard treat freedom! Happy Fourth of July!
Posted by Blizz Prez under Blizzard on June 29th, 2010
It’s your lucky day, fans, because I’m about to tell you what the next Blizzard of the Month is! That’s right, it’s only June 29, so technically you shouldn’t be finding out until July 1. But because I like you guys so much and because I have this insider information that I just can’t keep to myself any longer, I’m going to tell you. I should warn you though, once you hear what the flavor is you’re going to want one pretty badly and it’s not available until July 1. So with that said, the Blizzard of the Month for July is, spoon roll please…
Posted by Blizz Prez under Blizzard on June 22nd, 2010
Hey fans, summer is officially here! As a Blizzard fan, this is my favorite time of year because nothing beats the summer like a Blizzard treat. They taste pretty good in winter, fall and spring, but in summer, it’s a totally unique experience. Nothing else compares to that cool soft serve on a hot day. Not even running through a sprinkler, jumping in a pool, spraying yourself with a hose, sticking your head in the freezer, putting ice cubes down your shirt, or getting hit with a water balloon. I could keep going but I’m getting hot just typing all of this. I’m going to get a Blizzard treat…
Posted by Blizz Prez under Blizzard on June 17th, 2010
Hey fans, consider this a friendly reminder that Sunday is Father’s Day. Have you gotten your dad a gift yet? Dads are always the hardest people to shop for. If your dad is anything like mine, his idea of the perfect gift would be peace and quiet. But, since that’s not going to happen, I’ve got the next best thing. You know those world’s greatest dad coffee mugs? Well, get him one of those and put his favorite Blizzard treat inside. Pretty clever, huh? Now that’s one happy camper!
The Blizzard Birthday Tour hits Canada, aye! On Week 10 of the Blizzard Birthday Tour, we earned our billing as a “North American” tour by visiting Toronto, one of three Canadian cities that we will see this year. In a city known for its cold weather, we were treated with sunshine and warm temperatures for nearly the entire week of our visit – perfect Blizzard treat eating weather. The Torontonians surely didn’t need to be reminded of that as they showed up in droves and helped us to execute two of our largest events to date.
On May 18th, the Blizzard Tour Crew along with a small army of DQ Canada team members took over Dundas Square in Downtown Toronto. For those of you that aren’t familiar with Toronto, Dundas Square is similar to Times Square in New York City, complete with neon lights, LED screens and many talented street performers. When the clock struck 12pm, there were already several hundred fans in the square, waiting excitedly in the warm mid-day sun. As an emcee, it is my job to capture the attention of a large, anxious crowd and get them to become a part of our enjoyable event. There is no better feeling than to have a massive crowd of DQ fans that are already amped and ready to have fun before the event has begun. And as the festivities started, the crowd danced and cheered as they enjoyed the big time Blizzard party. But the party only got better when we were treated with a performance by 80s New Wave Band, The Spoons. Thousands enjoyed our mid-day shindig, where over 12,000 Blizzard treats were served in less than two hours. Certainly no small-time operation.
After we wrapped up our Dundas Square celebration, we took the party to the Rogers Center to catch the Toronto Blue Jays take on the Minnesota Twins. As soon as we entered the game in the 4th inning, twenty thousand Blue Jays fans were singing Happy Birthday to the Blizzard before being told that the BlizzardMobile would be providing free Blizzard treats following the game. The cheer that erupted from the crowd was arguably louder than any other during the actual game. At that point, Tom, Steve and I looked at each other as we all realized one simple fact – we were going to have a massive crowd on our hands. And as soon as the game was over, the crowd did not disappoint as they all filed out of the stadium and made their way directly to BlizzMo. Before we knew it, we were surrounded by a sea of eager fans charged-up after a Blue Jays victory and excited to enjoy their favorite frozen treat on a warm spring day. We served up nearly three thousand Mini Blizzard treats in less than 90 minutes. There hasn’t been a party like that at the Rogers Center since the Blue Jays last won the World Series (and we all know that was a very, very long time ago).
So our trip to visit our slightly smaller neighbor to the north was no small endeavor at all. When it comes to Blizzard parties, I guess everything IS bigger in Canada. Who knew?
Posted by PR Wonk under Blizzard on April 19th, 2010
The Blizzard®moble 25-city tour took the Big Apple by storm on April 8-9. More than a few heads turned as our one-of-a-kind vehicle drove down the infamous streets of Manhattan, bringing countless smiles to the faces of New Yorkers who clamored for free Mini Blizzard Treats, which will debut in stores this August.
Our first stop was on the Fox and Friends morning news show. The Blizzardmobile was parked on their plaza handing out free Mini Blizzard Treats to anyone who walked by. Caressa Cameron, the 2010 Miss America and Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) goodwill ambassador was on the air promoting our tour, which is raising funds for sick and injured children everywhere it stops.
Later that day, the vehicle and party moved to Madison Square Park where we handed out more than 600 Blizzard Flavor Treats to hungry NYC citizens. Many asked, “When are you going to open a location in Mid-Town?” Although we could only answer, “soon, we hope,” and ask if they were interested in opening a DQ® franchise, we joked and laughed as they enjoyed their OREO® Blizzard Treats.
Most of you are probably well aware that it’s the Blizzard® Treat’s 25th birthday this year, and we’ve got some BIG stuff planned!Below are a couple of photos of the biggest news since the launch of the Blizzard Flavor Treat 25 years ago. I know that it’s impossible to tell exactly what this is but, well, that’s the point. This is just a little teaser for all of our blog readers and fans of Dairy Queen treats. The good news? You will find out next week what these pictures have to do with our really BIG NEWS!!!
(So sorry to tease and make you wait, but answers will come in the next several weeks–we promise!)
