Dairy Queen surpasses fundraising goal in memory of Jones County girl

Middle Georgia Dairy Queens donate proceeds from blizzard sales to benefit local pediatric care

GRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Several Dairy Queen locations across Middle Georgia participated in Miracle Treat Day on Thursday, an annual event where at least one dollar from each Blizzard Treat sold is donated to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

In Gray, Dairy Queen owner Justin Kelly said the local store’s commitment was especially personal this year. The national poster child for the campaign was from Jones County, and she passed away just a month before Miracle Treat Day. The restaurant committed to raising $50,000 in her honor.  

“It actually turned into a huge event. We surpassed that and raised $80,000 for it. So, ever since then, it’s just taken on a life of its own, and it’s important to me to bring the community together, because it puts all our differences to the side,” said Kelly.

All donations from Dairy Queen of Gray and other participating Middle Georgia locations will benefit local patients at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital, for health services and pediatric medical equipment.