November 5th – The Kroger Co.’s Central Division announced results of the 37th annual “Fight Cancer Day” and a community-wide, collaborative blitz of other cancer-related events at a 10:00 AM news conference this morning. Mayor Henry joined American Cancer Society (ACS), Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, Francine’s Friends and Kroger officials to announce record-breaking results for the “Kroger Fight Cancer Day 2015” event held in 15 stores across the region.
“Kroger Fight Cancer Day 2015” included cancer survivors nominated by the three cancer agencies who are featured with boxing gloves on billboards and in-store posters throughout the Fort Wayne area. The event was once again supported by the creativity of local, award-winning ad agency Ferguson Advertising. This year, customers and associates were offered the opportunity to sign or write messages to loved ones on large Fight Cancer Day banners hung in all 15 stores.
Kroger is donating 3% of sales on Wednesday, October 7th to ACS, Cancer Services and Francine’s Friends, totaling $50,000. In addition, Kroger customers were given the opportunity to contribute to the local cancer organizations by donating cash in increments of $1, $3 or $5 between Thursday, October 1st and Saturday, October 31st. Customer contributions totaled $26,271, an increase of $7,040 over 2014. Over 37 years, the annual Cancer Day event has raised $4,816,773 for local cancer organizations.
Kroger Quote:
According to Kroger President Jeff Burt, “We are determined to be a compassionate and supportive corporate citizen in every local community we serve. Kroger customers and associates always have been especially generous in supporting Kroger Fight Cancer Day 2015 and this year was no exception. Cancer has a devastating effect on so many members of the Kroger family. Over the last 10 years, Kroger’s Sharing Courage campaign has contributed more than $30 million to the fight against breast cancer, but cancer does not take a year off and we must redouble our efforts. Each year, we celebrate our survivors and we remember those we have lost. To prevail, we must work as a team and Kroger is deeply honored to work with Mayor Henry, Cancer Services, the American Cancer Society, Francine’s Friends and volunteers from so many community organizations to raise critical funds for the fight against cancer.”
Friday, October 9th Francine’s Friends lunch:
Francine’s Friends Lunch with Friends was held at the Memorial Coliseum on Friday, October 9th. Francine’s Friends, a local, all-volunteer organization is focused on fighting cancer through early detection. Knowing that the best protection anyone can have in the fight is to receive regular screenings, Francine’s Friends brings screening mammography to the women in our community each day. They make it not only accessible by going to businesses, community sites, and clinics, but also affordable for those who are under-insured or not insured at all. For more information about the event and Francine’s Friends in general, please visit our website, FrancinesFriends.org.
Francine’s Friends Quote:
“Francine’s Friends is especially proud to partner with Kroger, Cancer Services, and ACS in Fight Cancer Day! Our program got its start with a ribbon cutting at the Kroger store on North Clinton and continues to bring the coach to area Kroger stores in the Fort Wayne area,” explained Francine’s Friends Board President, Sharon Simmons.
Saturday, October 17th – American Cancer Society “Making Strides” event:
This year’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” (MSABC) event, with Kroger as the presenting sponsor, was held at Parkview Field on October 17th. This non-competitive, 5K (3.1. mile) event helps bring a lifetime of change for people facing breast cancer and their families. The “Making Strides” event raises awareness about reducing our breast cancer risk and raises money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease with breast cancer research, information and services, and access to mammograms for women who need them. This year’s event saw a record breaking 7,700 walkers, and raised an estimated $290,000 for the fight against breast cancer.
American Cancer Society Quote:
“The American Cancer Society is proud to partner with Kroger to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays for so many people facing a cancer diagnosis,” said Mindy Torres, Senior Market Manager, Community Engagement of the American Cancer Society of Northeast Indiana. “Once again we are grateful for the kindness and generosity of the community donations brought in by the Kroger Fight Cancer Days. With their help we will be able to transform cancer from deadly to treatable and even someday from treatable to preventable,” Torres continued.
Cancer Services Quote:
Dianne May CEO and President of Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana stated, “Cancer Services is honored to have a long-standing relationship with Kroger, caring together for local people with cancer. Having friends and organizations in the community that you can depend on means the world to people with cancer. Because individuals and corporations like Kroger make charitable donations, our organization is able to care for more than 2,500 families every year.”
Men Against Breast Cancer:
On Wednesday, October 21st, Men Against Breast Cancer (MABC) founder, Marc Heyison, hosted a Partners in Survival workshop at the Allen County Public Library. There were breakout sessions for men and women, with dinner provided by Kroger. Men Against Breast Cancer is the first and only national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designed to provide targeted support services that educate and empower men to be effective caregivers when cancer strikes. Since its founding in 1999, MABC has mobilized men across America, including under-served populations, to be active participants in the fight against breast cancer. MABC’s philosophy is to leverage the support of the whole family to help the patient, with special emphasis on the important role of men in caring for the women they love.
Men Against Breast Cancer Quote:
Marc Heyison, president and founder of Men Against Breast Cancer, said, “We are honored and privileged to be working with such a diverse group of organizations, spearheaded by Kroger, who realize the important role men play in being there as the women we love navigate a life threatening disease. We are all partners in survival.”
The Kroger Co. has been serving local communities for 132 years. The Kroger Central Division has 136 food stores, 115 pharmacies and 92 fuel centers operating under three banners; Kroger, Owen’s and Pay Less, with locations primarily in Indiana and Illinois, in addition to five stores in Missouri, one in Michigan and one in Ohio. Kroger Central Division is dedicated to supporting every local community it serves, contributing more than $13.5 million in 2014 to local organizations, primarily focusing on hunger relief, K-12 education, health causes and diversity. The Kroger Co. was once again named the most generous company in America in a Chronicle of Philanthropy listing detailed in Forbes Magazine. At Kroger we value: honesty, respect, inclusion, diversity, safety and integrity.
