GIANT Food Stores recognized for their commitment to ending MS
Chicago, Nov. 7, 2008 — Dozens of top executives from leading companies gathered today at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s annual conference in Chicago.
The business leaders were recognized for their outstanding commitment to helping people with MS move their lives forward and to raising awareness for the disease and the National MS Society. More than 800 leaders in the movement, including Society volunteers, employees and other corporate leaders, acknowledged these corporate “stars” and partners at the organization’s annual meeting.
GIANT Food Stores was presented with the “Shining Star” award, which is given annually to the Society’s corporate partner that has demonstrated the most growth during the past year in its nationwide commitment to raising awareness and funding for the MS movement. Jeff Martin, Executive Vice President for Sales and Merchandising from GIANT, was present to accept the award. Past recipients of this honor include Christopher and Banks, Clear Channel Communications, Inc., FedEx and BP America.
Highlights of GIANT Food Stores’ commitment to raising awareness for MS include:
- In 2008 GIANT raised a record $515,000 in “paper sneaker” sales through the work of associates and generous support from their customers.
- Combined with Team GIANT’s donations to Walk MS, more than $600,000 was raised, bringing the company’s total support for the MS cause to over $4 million.
“We are proud to be able to strengthen awareness and understanding about MS and be a part of the MS movement to create a world free of multiple sclerosis,” said Sander van der Laan, President and Chief Executive Officer, GIANT Food Stores. “We are honored to be recognized by the National MS Society and we thank everyone in the MS movement for their efforts to end MS. We also want to thank the associates of GIANT for their commitment and enthusiasm for supporting the National MS Society.”
About the National MS Society’s Corporate Star Program
The National MS Society Corporate Star program recognizes corporations that encourage volunteerism, lend their good names to fundraising events, contribute in-kind and cash sponsorship, support the establishment of corporate teams, provide expertise and leadership for Society chapters, advocate for increased accessibility for people with multiple sclerosis and other disabilities, as well as fund programs and research for people with MS through foundation grants or corporate gifts.
About GIANT Food Stores GIANT Food Stores, LLC, one of the leading supermarket operations in the U.S., currently operates stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia under the names of GIANT Food Stores, Martin’s Food Markets and FoodSource. For more information, visit the company’s Web sites at www.GiantFoodStores.com or www.MartinsFoods.com.
