Signet Jewelers Raises Record $12 Million for St. Jude
Signet Jewelers, which includes the umbrella of brands like Zales, KAY Jewelers, Banter by Piercing Pagoda, and Jared Jewelers, has announced a record-breaking $12 million donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, marking its largest single-year fundraising total for the organization. The funds were generated through a mix of customer and employee contributions, including in-store and online donations, the sale of plush toys, and participation in events like the St. Jude Walk. This milestone reflects the company’s broader commitment, made in 2023, to raise $100 million in support of St. Jude’s mission.
Signet CEO J.K. Symancyk said, “At Signet, our purpose is Inspiring Love, and this record-breaking fundraising effort is a powerful reflection of our purpose in action. We are incredibly proud to support the lifesaving work of St. Jude. This is all made possible by the extraordinary generosity of our team members, customers, and partners. It’s inspiring to see our community come together to help advance the St. Jude mission of delivering world-class care, groundbreaking research, and hope to children and families when they need it most.”
The donation highlights Signet’s long-standing partnership with St. Jude, which spans nearly three decades. Since opening in 1962, St. Jude has played a critical role in transforming childhood cancer outcomes, helping raise survival rates in the United States from about 20% to more than 80%. Signet’s ongoing $100 million commitment will further support long-term survivorship programs, including research and follow-up care through initiatives like the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study. Together, these efforts aim to improve the quality of life for survivors while continuing the push toward a future where no child dies from cancer.
Learn more about St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital here.
Ibotta Extends Denver Nuggets Partnership, Strengthening Local Roots
Ibotta has renewed and expanded its multi-year partnership with the Denver Nuggets, continuing its sponsorship of the team’s jersey patch. The extension reflects more than a business deal—it underscores Ibotta’s deep connection to Denver, the city where the company was founded and continues to grow, including its recent headquarters expansion downtown.
Ibotta Founder and CEO Bryan Leach said, “From our founding more than a decade ago to the recent opening of our new headquarters on 16th Street, Denver has been part of everything we've built at Ibotta. Extending our partnership with the Nuggets reflects our deep and lasting ties to the city and our commitment to this community. We're proud to be a Denver company, and proud to be affiliated with an organization that represents this city as well as the Nuggets do.”
Ibotta employees have actively engaged with the Nuggets on local initiatives, including volunteering to provide groceries for students through Food for Thought Denver. The collaboration also brings the team into Ibotta’s workplace through events like pep rallies and discussions with players and coaches, strengthening ties between the organization and the local community. Beyond branding, the partnership has had a measurable social impact. Through the “A Shot for Change” program at Nuggets home games, more than $250,000 has been directed to local nonprofits since 2023. Both organizations highlight their shared goal of supporting Denver’s growth and well-being, positioning the extended partnership as a meaningful investment in the city’s future.
Read more here.
Dairy Queen Expands AI Drive-Thru Ordering Across North America
Dairy Queen is rolling out artificial intelligence technology to its drive-thru lanes, following a successful pilot program. The company plans to expand an AI-powered voice ordering system developed by Presto to select franchise locations across more than 25 U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Early testing at corporate stores showed encouraging results, prompting the broader rollout.
Company executives say the AI system has improved order accuracy while delivering a smooth, customer-friendly experience. It also allows employees to shift their focus from taking orders to assisting customers more directly. Presto’s technology was selected in part because it can manage Dairy Queen’s highly complex menu, which includes over one million possible order combinations spanning both food and frozen treats.
Dairy Queen joins a growing list of fast-food brands adopting AI to streamline operations and increase sales through faster service and automated upselling. While operators report efficiency gains, challenges remain, including occasional errors and mixed customer reactions to AI interactions. Still, industry leaders believe acceptance will grow as the technology becomes more refined and familiar, positioning AI as a key part of the future drive-thru experience.
Original Article Links:
Signet Jewelers Raises Record-Breaking $12 Million Benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Ibotta Extends Partnership with Denver Nuggets
Dairy Queen rolls out voice AI for the drive-thru