corporate giving

Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities creates and supports mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. ADQ supports BBBS in many ways to fuel their life-changing programming, including sponsoring their Back to School Bash. In 2022, ADQ partnered with BBBS to give away 400 backpacks filled with school supplies–and a Dilly^® Bar–to “littles” and their family members.

Cookie Cart bakes bright futures by teaching life, leadership, and employment skills to teens of color through on-the-job and classroom experiences in nonprofit bakeries. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Cookie Cart knew they needed to pivot from their in-person trainings. Team members from ADQ stepped up and used their expertise to help transform in-person training for teens to a safe, online training model. DQ^® Cares continues to volunteer and support Cookie Cart’s youth leadership program, providing opportunities for youth to gain hands-on work experience and develop advanced leadership skills. 

Gillette Children’s, part of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals^®, cares for children with brain, bone and movement conditions needing specialized expertise. ADQ is a proud sponsor of Gillette’s therapy pool, the Orthotics, Prosthetics and Seating Department, and other life-changing programs. In 2022, ADQ invested in Gillette’s Adaptive Technology and Sports fund, which enables families to purchase items like adaptive cycles, adaptive video game equipment, prosthetics and more so kids can participate in the activities that bring them joy.

Second Harvest Heartland is on a mission to end hunger and feed our neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Funding from ADQ supports Second Harvest Heartland’s childhood hunger initiatives. This investment supports child nutrition policies and programs that ensure our community’s kids have access to healthy food year-round. ADQ employees also volunteer at Second Harvest Heartland’s distribution center to help make food accessible to those who need it.

Special Olympics Minnesota is part of a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, aiming to build a culture that accepts and welcomes everyone regardless of ability or disability. Each year you will find ADQ employees plunging in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. ADQ is a proud sponsor of the Polar Plunge and supporter of the Unified Champion Schools Program, which empowers student leaders to change their school culture to be more inclusive.

As our nationwide partner, supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® is a core part of who we are in the DQ^® system, both at the corporate level and at the franchisee level in local communities. ADQ supports CMN Hospitals, including Minnesota-based Gillette Children’s, through corporate giving and fundraising at corporate events. ADQ employees at our Twin Cities office and across the U.S. also show their passion for CMN Hospitals’ mission by dedicating their time and energy to support local hospitals and the families they serve.