Contact:
Kristen Barnfield, Easter Seals 312.551.7147 kbarnfield@easterseals.com www.easterseals.com	....or....	Gillian Begin,  Friendly Ice Cream Corporation  413.543.2400 gillian.begin@friendlys.com www.friendlys.com

ON THE MENU: "CONES FOR KIDS" TO SCOOP UP SUPPORT FOR EASTER SEALS FRIENDLY'S DISHES-OUT 24TH YEAR OF HELP FOR LOCAL CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES

WILBRAHAM, January 5, 2005 - Celebrating Cones for Kids' 24th year, Friendly Ice Cream Corp.'s 2005 Valentine's Day fund-raiser is under way to benefit local Easter Seals.

Cones for Kids has been a winter tradition since 1981. Each year, employees across the restaurant chain help change the lives of thousands of children and adults with disabilities through their efforts - raising $22 million to date, including $870,000 in 2004 alone.

For a $1 donation to Easter Seals, Friendly's provides restaurant guests with either a Kids' Valentine's Day card, redeemable for five free Friendly's Kid Cones, or a coupon booklet worth more than $35. The coupons include savings for various Friendly's meals and ice cream, as well as a free 8- by 10-inch color portrait from JCPenney Portraits.

"Kids bring in their parents for ice cream on even the coldest days. Servers make sure that every guest has a chance to give," said John L. Cutter, Friendly president and chief executive officer. "Cones for Kids is good for business and, with Easter Seals, we know our contributions go to help people. It's wonderful to see the real impact Friendly's can make for children and adults with disabilities in the many communities we serve."

Dollars raised through Cones for Kids enable Easter Seals Massachusetts to provide comprehensive programs and services that help children and adults with disabilities expand their independence. Easter Seals offers technological assistance, job training and employment, home-based nonmedical services for elders, recreational activities, rehabilitation services and public awareness programs.

"Friendly's employees are the drivers behind the campaign's continued success. They do everything they can to engage restaurant guests and local communities in our cause," said Kirk Joslin, president of Easter Seals Massachusetts. "It's fitting that each year around Valentine's Day, Cones for Kids helps so many children and adults with disabilities. The program truly represents the heart of Friendly's business."