Cinnabon participated in the 2017 National Nurses Week celebration by offering complimentary bakery items to nursing professionals at participating locations. The promotion, running from May 6 through May 12, 2017, provided nurses with a choice of a free Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll, a MiniBon®, or a four-count of BonBites™. Eligibility for the offer required the presentation of a valid medical ID badge. This annual initiative was part of Cinnabon's long-standing partnership with The DAISY Foundation, an organization dedicated to recognizing nurses for their extraordinary compassionate care.
The 2017 promotion was widely reported across various news outlets and deal blogs, with consistent details regarding the dates, eligible items, and identification requirements. While the specific event occurred in 2017, the details serve as a historical reference for how major food and beverage brands structure appreciation promotions for specific consumer demographics.
Overview of the 2017 National Nurses Week Promotion
National Nurses Week is an annual recognition period in the United States, typically observed from May 6 to May 12. During this week in 2017, Cinnabon activated a nationwide giveaway to honor healthcare professionals.
According to a press release issued by Cinnabon (Source [6]), the company offered a choice of three specific bakery items to nurses presenting a medical ID badge. The participating items included: * Cinnabon Classic Roll * MiniBon® * Four-count of BonBites™
This promotion was valid from May 6, 2017, through May 12, 2017, at participating Cinnabon bakeries. The press release explicitly stated that the offer was for nurses presenting their medical ID badges. This requirement is corroborated by multiple other sources, including local news reports and deal aggregation sites (Sources [1], [3], [4]).
Historical Context and Partnership with The DAISY Foundation
Cinnabon's involvement in National Nurses Week dates back to the year 2000. The partnership originated from a specific patient's request to have Cinnabon cinnamon rolls given to his nurses as a gesture of gratitude for the care he received. Following this event, Cinnabon established an ongoing relationship with The DAISY Foundation.
The DAISY Foundation (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) was created to express gratitude to nurses for the compassionate care they provide. Cinnabon's support extends beyond the annual Nurses Week giveaway; the company also participates in monthly DAISY Award celebrations. Joe Guith, President of Cinnabon, noted in the 2017 press release that providing treats is a small way to thank nurses who dedicate their lives to others. By 2017, Cinnabon reported that it had distributed over one million cinnamon rolls through this program over the previous seventeen years (Sources [3], [4], [6]).
Eligibility and Redemption Process
To redeem the free offer during the 2017 promotion, nurses were required to adhere to specific verification steps.
Identification Requirements
The primary requirement across all reported locations was the presentation of a valid medical ID badge. Sources [1], [3], [4], and [6] all explicitly mention the "medical ID badge" as the necessary proof of eligibility. * Source [1]: "nurses presenting their medical ID badge." * Source [3]: "A medical ID badge must be presented in order to redeem this freebie." * Source [6]: "to nurses presenting their medical ID badge."
While Source [2] mentions "healthcare ID badge," and Source [5] refers to a "name badge," the consensus among the sources points to a medical or healthcare ID badge as the standard verification method.
Participating Locations
The offer was valid at "participating Cinnabon bakeries." Source [2] listed specific locations in Texas (Tyler and Gilmer) as participating sites. However, the national scope implies that most, but not necessarily all, locations honored the promotion. Source [4] emphasized that the offer was available "at participating bakeries," suggesting that customers should verify with their local store prior to visiting.
Comparative Analysis with Other 2017 Nurses Week Offers
While the primary focus of the provided data is Cinnabon, several sources also highlighted other businesses offering promotions during the same week. This context helps situate the Cinnabon offer within the broader landscape of 2017 Nurses Week freebies.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: Offered a free Espresso Buzz Bagel and Schmear on Thursday, May 11, 2017. Eligibility required a valid nurse ID or the wearing of scrubs (Source [1], [5]).
- PDQ: Offered 50% off the entire check on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, for nurses and teachers with valid IDs (Source [1], [5]).
- EVOS: Offered a free meal or salad with the purchase of a meal or salad from May 8-12, 2017, with valid professional ID (Source [5]).
- David’s Tea: Offered a free tea of the day on May 12, 2017, to nurses and nursing students (Source [5]).
- Starbucks: While not a specific Nurses Week deal, Starbucks offered a half-price Frappuccino hour from 3-6 p.m. between May 5 and May 14, 2017 (Source [3], [5]).
Notably, Source [3] reported that Chick-fil-A, which had offered free chicken sandwiches in previous years, confirmed no chainwide promotions for 2017.
Limitations and Verification Considerations
When evaluating the provided source material, it is important to note the nature of the documentation. The majority of the sources are news articles, blog posts, or press release syndications rather than the official Cinnabon corporate website's terms and conditions page.
- Reliability of Sources: Source [6] is a direct press release from Cinnabon, making it the most authoritative source regarding the company's intent and messaging. Sources [1], [3], and [4] are news or information sites that appear to rely on similar press materials.
- Missing Official Documentation: The provided chunks do not include a direct link to the official Cinnabon "Terms and Conditions" or the specific landing page for the 2017 Nurses Week promotion. Therefore, while the general offer details are consistent, specific limitations (such as "one per customer," "in-store only," or "no purchase necessary" clauses) are not explicitly detailed in the primary sources provided, though "no purchase necessary" is implied by the nature of a free giveaway.
- Regional Variations: Source [2] lists specific locations in Texas, confirming that the promotion was active in at least those areas. However, without a comprehensive list of participating locations, it is impossible to confirm the availability of the offer at every Cinnabon bakery nationwide.
Summary of Offer Details
Based on the aggregation of the provided sources, the specific parameters of the Cinnabon 2017 Nurses Week offer were as follows:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | National Nurses Week 2017 |
| Dates | May 6, 2017 – May 12, 2017 |
| Offer | Choice of one of the following: • Cinnabon Classic Roll • MiniBon® • Four-count of BonBites™ |
| Eligibility | Nurses (implied to be Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, etc., holding medical credentials) |
| Verification | Presentation of a valid medical ID badge (or healthcare ID badge/name badge per varying reports) |
| Cost | Free |
| Partnership | The DAISY Foundation |
Conclusion
The 2017 Cinnabon National Nurses Week promotion was a significant annual event designed to recognize the contributions of healthcare professionals. By offering a selection of their signature bakery items free of charge, Cinnabon continued a tradition established in 2000. The promotion required a valid medical ID badge and was available at participating locations between May 6 and May 12. While the event is historical, it exemplifies the type of targeted consumer promotions common in the food and beverage industry, specifically leveraging professional appreciation weeks to engage with specific demographics. Consumers seeking similar offers in the future should monitor official brand announcements and news outlets during relevant appreciation periods.