GRANTS PASS, Ore. (May 12, 2025) - On Friday, May 16, Dutch Bros will hold its annual Drink One for Dane celebration to raise awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and honor the life of its co-founder, Dane Boersma. The Dutch Bros Foundation will donate $1 million to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) in support of this special event. MDA is the leading non-profit organization in ALS research, care, advocacy, educational and professional programming.
Dane Boersma founded Dutch Bros with his brother, Travis, in 1992. Dane passed away from ALS in 2009. Dutch Bros and the Boersma family started Drink One for Dane to raise awareness about ALS and support research aimed at finding effective treatments, and ultimately, a cure for the disease.
“Drink One for Dane holds a deeply personal and special place in the hearts of everyone at Dutch Bros and the Dutch Bros Foundation,” said Jess Elmquist, chief people officer at Dutch Bros. “It has been a core part of who we are for many years—a powerful way for us to come together to honor Dane's legacy and support the fight against ALS. We’re proud to stand with the Muscular Dystrophy Association as it continues its critical work to advance research, improve care, and bring hope to families everywhere."
The Muscular Dystrophy Association has been at the forefront of the fight against ALS for over 75 years. The organization's commitment to research and care began with the story of Eleanor Gehrig—wife of baseball legend Lou Gehrig—who served as MDA’s first national campaign chairman. Her determination to advocate for families impacted by ALS helped shape MDA’s mission and legacy. Today, thanks to foundational research funded by MDA, we’ve seen unprecedented progress: with FDA-approved ALS treatments, more clinical trials than ever before, offering real hope for people living with this devastating disease. As the leading nonprofit in ALS research, MDA continues to fund groundbreaking science, operates the only national network of multidisciplinary care centers, and advocates for policies that accelerate access to treatments and support for families.
“We are honored and deeply grateful for our longstanding partnership with Dutch Bros and the Dutch Bros Foundation,” said Ruth Ann Dailey, Chief Development Officer at MDA. “The ‘Drink One for Dane’ campaign is not only a moving tribute to Dane Boersma’s legacy—it’s a powerful force driving awareness, hope, and real progress in the fight against ALS. This generous $1 million donation directly fuels MDA’s mission to accelerate research, enhance care, and support families impacted by ALS across the country. Together, we are making meaningful strides toward a future without this devastating disease.”
To make the celebration even more special, a sticker will be handed out with every drink purchase while supplies last on May 16.
