The store took part in the national fundraising campaign for their sixth year Thursday, and donated every dollar made to the children’s hospital.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Store owner Justin Kelly announced the record-breaking campaign on social media. 13WMAZ originally reported the total as $245,000. However, Kelly confirmed another donor came forward after he announced the total.<\/p>\n
“The town is really bought in on this, and I believe this is gonna be the best year yet,” Kelly said.<\/p>\n
Central Georgians hit the road by the hundreds to take part in the tradition, and drive-thru traffic often spilled onto West Clinton Street. Sharonda Williams says she had to come back when the crowds quieted down after she was met with heavy traffic Thursday morning.<\/p>\n
“Dairy Queen is awesome for everything that they do, but especially for this day. It just makes you feel good,” Williams said.<\/p>\n
The campaign also drew over 100 volunteers from door greeters to Blizzard blenders, including Brinkley Stone from Macon who was volunteering for her third year.<\/p>\n
“You can really see that throughout all the people that show up and help, and it just warms my heart every year that I do it. It makes me so happy,” Stone said.<\/p>\n
Volunteers also brought Blizzards beyond the store. Crews loaded up 5,000 Blizzards Thursday morning and shipped them across Central Georgia, which Kelly says brought in $20,000 alone.<\/p>\n
“From Fort Valley all the way to Lake Sinclair, that’s big, that’s crucial,” Kelly said.<\/p>\n
Kelly says the support every year is overwhelming, and he’s proud to see the tradition grow every year for a sweet cause.<\/p>\n
“It’s grown to just substantial things that we’re doing now. It’s amazing what’s happening,” Kelly said.<\/p>\n
RELATED: How Dairy Queen’s Miracle Treat Day helps Macon’s Atrium Health children’s hospital<\/a><\/p>\n