Dutch Bros Coffee Marks Annual Tribute to Dane Boersma with Major ALS Support Initiative

Every May, Dutch Bros Coffee honors the memory of its co-founder Dane Boersma through Drink One for Dane—a meaningful campaign that combines community engagement with critical funding for neuromuscular disease research. This year’s event, set for May 16, 2025, will see the Dutch Bros Foundation contribute $1 million to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) in the fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

A Legacy of Purpose

Dane Boersma co-founded Dutch Bros with his brother Travis in 1992, building what would become a vibrant coffee brand known for its drive-thru culture and community commitment. After Dane’s passing from ALS in 2009, the Boersma family and Dutch Bros team established Drink One for Dane as both a tribute and a catalyst for awareness and research funding focused on finding treatments and ultimately a cure for ALS.

According to Jess Elmquist, Chief People Officer at Dutch Bros, “This initiative represents far more than a single day of giving. It embodies Dutch Bros’ core values of spreading kindness and making a genuine difference in the communities we serve. Through our partnership with MDA, we’re channeling our collective energy toward accelerating breakthroughs in ALS research and supporting families facing this disease.”

Partnering for Impact

The Muscular Dystrophy Association has spent over 75 years as the nation’s foremost organization dedicated to neuromuscular disease research, care coordination, and advocacy. MDA’s work traces back to Eleanor Gehrig, widow of baseball icon Lou Gehrig, whose pioneering advocacy shaped the organization’s mission decades ago. Today, MDA’s funded research has contributed to multiple FDA-approved ALS therapies and an expanding pipeline of clinical trials offering renewed hope to patients.

Ruth Ann Dailey, Chief Development Officer at MDA, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “Dutch Bros and the Boersma family have demonstrated unwavering commitment to our mission. This $1 million investment directly advances our research initiatives, supports our nationwide care centers, and ensures we can continue advocating for treatments and resources that transform lives.”

Event Details and Campaign

On May 16, Dutch Bros locations will distribute limited-edition stickers with each beverage purchase, creating a tangible reminder of the cause while celebrating community participation. The campaign ties directly to Dutch Bros’ broader mission of delivering speed, quality, and authentic connection through every transaction.

With 1,000 locations across 18 states and counting, Dutch Bros serves handcrafted beverages ranging from its signature Rebel™ energy drink to nitrogen-infused cold brews, specialty coffees, and customizable creations. Beyond the menu, the Dutch Bros Foundation continues channeling profits toward local and national charitable initiatives, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to meaningful social impact.

The convergence of Drink One for Dane and MDA’s decade-spanning research achievements demonstrates how corporate and nonprofit collaboration can accelerate progress against devastating diseases. This May 16 event stands as both remembrance and momentum—honoring Dane Boersma’s legacy while propelling the search for answers that could transform futures for millions affected by ALS.