(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- /PRNewswire/ -- Jersey Mike's Subs, a leading franchisor of fast casual sandwich shops known for its fresh sliced and fresh grilled subs, and Best Buddies International, a nonprofit committed to fostering one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living and family support opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), are partnering to raise funds and awareness for the organization's mission of inclusion.

This weekend, on Saturday, October 11, and Sunday, October 12, Jersey Mike's will donate 20 percent of sales at the company's more than 3,100 locations nationwide to Best Buddies.

"We are pleased to announce that Jersey Mike's is supporting another Best Buddies Special Weekend this Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12, when 20 percent of sales will be donated to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities," said Charlie Morrison, CEO, Jersey Mike's Franchise Systems LLC.

Jersey Mike's Founder Peter Cancro added, "So please join us and let's 'All Raise Up' together."

Jersey Mike's is working with Best Buddies to establish employment opportunities within Jersey Mike's restaurants for individuals with IDD, allowing them to earn an income and continuously and independently support themselves. Eleven Jersey Mike's locations are currently accessing this untapped workforce, and a roll-out of the program in additional cities is underway.

"Jersey Mike's commitment to Best Buddies shows the powerful difference businesses can make when they lead with purpose and it demonstrates how inclusion drives both business success and social impact," said Anthony K. Shriver, founder, chairman and CEO of Best Buddies International. "What's more impressive is the company's commitment to employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Jersey Mike's locations nationwide, which strengthens workplace culture and delivers measurable benefits to the bottom line. It's truly a win-win for companies and the communities they serve."

Best Buddies® is a global nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies has grown from one chapter to 3,800 chapters worldwide, positively impacting the lives of 1.5 million people with and without IDD.

Jersey Mike's Subs serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread — the same recipe it started with in 1956. Passion for giving in Jersey Mike's local communities is reflected in its mission statement "Giving...making a difference in someone's life."