After Giving and Receiving the Gift of Life, Dairy Queen Owners Compete at Transplant Games

The South Avenue Dairy Queen in Plainfield is one of the largest locations in the country. But for Rich and Donna Albanese-DeMair, who help run the business, the restaurant is far more than a profitable operation. It is an expression of their values: generosity, resilience, and a commitment to life itself.

In June 2026, Rich and Donna represented Team Liberty at the biennial Transplant Games of America in Denver, competing alongside thousands of transplant recipients, living donors, and donor families from across the nation. The Games set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of living organ donors and transplant recipients—966 people assembled in one place. Donna earned a silver medal in doubles bowling. Rich competed in cycling and helped Team Liberty capture a bronze medal in the trivia competition. Together, they crossed the finish line in the 5K.

But the medals tell only part of the story. Behind their presence at the Games lies a decades-long commitment to giving and receiving—themes that define how they operate their business and serve their community.

Donna became a living kidney donor in 2002, when she donated one of her kidneys to save her mother's life. Twenty years later, Rich faced advanced heart disease and received a lifesaving heart transplant. Rather than retreat after such profound personal experiences, both chose to advocate.

"Walking into the Transplant Games surrounded by thousands of people whose lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation was incredibly emotional," Donna said. "Being a living donor has always been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, and celebrating with Rich after everything we have been through made it even more special."

Rich reflected on the experience: "Every mile I rode on my bicycle and every moment I spent with Team Liberty reminded me that I wouldn't be here without my donor and his family."

Both have become passionate advocates for NJ Sharing Network, working to inspire others to register as donors and consider living donations.

Union County Life covers Plainfield businesses, community leaders, and stories about how local entrepreneurs give back to their neighborhoods.

The thread connecting their personal story to their business extends to their bicycle donation program. Rich has provided 5,476 refurbished bicycles to children and teens throughout New Jersey—a sustained commitment to opportunity and mobility for young people who might not otherwise have access. Each bicycle represents the same principle underlying organ donation: giving others the tools they need to live fully.

This is the philosophy that shapes the Albanese-DeMair family's Dairy Queen. Yes, it is a business. But it is also a statement about values. The family has long supported community organizations and charitable causes throughout New Jersey.

For Rich and Donna, organ donation is personal. So is community investment. The Transplant Games victory was not ultimately about medals. It was about bearing witness—showing up, competing alongside others who have lived through transplant, and reminding society that giving is the foundation of survival.

Customers who visit the South Avenue Dairy Queen are served by owners who understand the profound value of second chances.

Learn more about Plainfield businesses, community leaders, and local giving on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: Who are Rich and Donna Albanese-DeMair?
A: Rich and Donna help lead the Albanese family's Dairy Queen on South Avenue in Plainfield, one of the largest Dairy Queen restaurants in the country. They are also passionate advocates for organ and tissue donation and run a bicycle donation program that has provided 5,476 refurbished bikes to New Jersey youth.

Q: Why were Rich and Donna competing at the Transplant Games?
A: Rich and Donna represented Team Liberty, a program of the Sharing Network Foundation, at the 2026 Transplant Games in Denver. Rich is a heart transplant recipient and Donna is a living kidney donor. Both participate in organ donation advocacy and wanted to celebrate their survival and inspire others.

Q: What medals did Rich and Donna earn at the Transplant Games?
A: Donna earned a silver medal in doubles bowling. Rich competed in cycling and helped Team Liberty capture a bronze medal in the trivia competition. Together, they also participated in the 5K event.

Q: What is Donna's connection to organ donation?
A: Donna became a living kidney donor in 2002 when she donated one of her kidneys to save her mother's life. She has been advocating for organ donation ever since, helping inspire others to register as donors.

Q: Why did Rich receive a heart transplant?
A: Rich lived with advanced heart disease before receiving a lifesaving heart transplant. His experience as a transplant recipient has motivated him to advocate for organ donation and to support others who have received transplants.

Q: How many bicycles has Rich donated to New Jersey youth?
A: Rich's bicycle donation program has provided 5,476 refurbished bicycles to children and teens throughout New Jersey. The program reflects his belief in giving young people the tools and opportunities they need to live fully.

Q: How can I support organ donation or register as a donor?
A: Visit NJ Sharing Network at www.njsharingnetwork.org or call 1-800-DONOR-NJ to register as an organ and tissue donor. Organ donation registration is free and can also be completed at the Motor Vehicle Commission when renewing a driver's license.

Q: How does the Albanese-DeMair family's Dairy Queen support the community?
A: Beyond their personal advocacy and bicycle donation program, the Albanese family has long supported community organizations and charitable causes throughout New Jersey. The Dairy Queen reflects their values of generosity and community investment.