LAS VEGAS, NV - Dunkin' Brands, parent company of Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's, today announced a commitment to support emergency response organizations in times of crisis with The Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation. This national philanthropic initiative was kicked off at the 2006 Dunkin' Brands Global Franchisee Convention in Las Vegas, with a ceremony recognizing five community heroes from across the country for their bravery and leadership.

The Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation heroes-- an extraordinary firefighter, a blood banking industry innovator, two exceptional American Red Cross volunteers and an inspirational Gulf Coast business owner-- will each receive a $5,000 donation to support their important work in their communities. They are:

Leslie Botos, Director of Public Affairs, BloodSource (Blood Bank), Sacramento, CA
A blood banking innovator, Leslie Botos is the founder of "Pint for Pint" - a national program that encourages blood donation by giving a pint of Baskin-Robbins ice cream in exchange for a pint of donated blood. To support Ms. Botos' continued efforts in blood banking, Dunkin' Brands will donate $5,000 to BloodSource.

Marge Dykstra, American Red Cross Veteran Volunteer, Akron, IA
Marge Dykstra, registered nurse, has responded to 76 national disasters since becoming involved with the American Red Cross's Siouxland Area Chapter in 1985. To support Ms. Dysktra's tireless efforts with the American Red Cross, Dunkin' Brands will donate $5,000 to the Siouxland Area Chapter Disaster Fund in Sioux City, IA.

Coy Faucheux, Baskin-Robbins Franchisee, Slidell, LA
First, Coy Faucheux and his wife opened their home to dozens of refugees. Then, when his Slidell, Louisiana store received its first ice cream delivery after the storm, he fed hundreds of relief volunteers and refugees with Baskin-Robbins ice cream - free of charge! To support the inspirational efforts of Coy Faucheux and his Gulf Coast community, Dunkin' Brands will donate $5,000 to support the police and firefighters in the region.


Darren Irby, Vice President of Public Relations, American Red Cross, Falls Church, VA
Just as he once responded to the Oklahoma City bombing and many other emergencies, Darren Irby of the American Red Cross worked in the Houston Astrodome for twenty days to help Katrina refugees. To support Mr. Irby's brave efforts with the American Red Cross, Dunkin' Brands will donate $1,250 to the Southeast Mississippi Chapter of ARC, $1,250 to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter of ARC, $1,250 to ARC of Arkansas and $1,250 to the South Louisiana Chapter of ARC.

Jim McNulty, NYFD Firefighter, Long Island, NY
Jim McNulty, a firefighter for the NYFD's Ladder 170 for the past five years, pulled extraordinary double duty on November 17, 2005. In one 24-hour shift he saved two people - from two separate fires. He is proud to donate his Dunkin' Brands grant to the Thomas Elsasser Fund, a fund that was created to support the family of a fireman who was killed off duty.


"During recent disasters we have seen how important emergency response systems are in times of crisis," said Paul Leech, Dunkin' Brands Chief Administrative Officer. "At Dunkin' Brands, we have been inspired by these brave individuals and are pleased to be able to provide support, as they continue to lead our communities through the hardest of times."

The Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation is a true partnership between franchisee and franchisor. Its mission is to bring all the people of Dunkin' Brands together - franchisees, franchisor, employees, and customers - to support the service and leadership of those who serve our communities everyday, especially in times of crisis. The Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation Fund will make grants to help build capacity and leadership for emergency relief providers.

The Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation is independently administered by the Boston Foundation. Founded in 1915, the Boston Foundation was one of the first community foundations and today is one of the largest, with assets of almost $700 million. The Foundation works across the country and across the world.

The Boston Foundation will work closely with The Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation Board to oversee and manage the monies that The Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation will take in and distribute through grants.

The Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to bring the people and brands of the Dunkin' Brands system together to support the service and leadership of those who help and protect communities every day - especially in times of crisis. The Dunkin' Brands Community Foundation helps to support emergency response organizations so they have the capacity and leadership to respond when communities need them most. For more information, visit www.dunkinbrands.com/foundation.

About Dunkin' Brands, Inc.

Dunkin' Brands, Inc., headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts, franchises more than 12,000 Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's shops worldwide. With over 143 years of combined franchising experience, Dunkin' Brands' mission is to thrill customers, enrich stakeholders and build powerful brands. Dunkin' Brands is also a pioneer in developing and practicing a complementary day part strategy, which combines two or three of its brands under one roof. For more information, visit www.dunkinbrands.com.

Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.

Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.

Dunkin' Brands, Inc., headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts, franchises more than 12,000 Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's shops worldwide. With over 143 years of combined franchising experience, Dunkin' Brands' mission is to thrill customers, enrich stakeholders and build powerful brands. Dunkin' Brands is also a pioneer in developing and practicing a complementary day part strategy, which combines two or three of its brands under one roof. For more information, visit www.dunkinbrands.com.

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