Produce for Kids tops $1.6 million in donations
Produce for Kids tops $1.6 million in donations
ORLANDO, FL -- The spring campaign of the Produce for Kids supplier-retail fundraising promotion set a record for the organization and pushed the money raised by the effort since its inception in 2002 to over $1.6 million.
Founded by John Shuman, president of Reidsville, GA-based Shuman Produce Inc., PFK raises money to benefit Children's Miracle Network hospitals in the areas where the funds are raised by connecting participating produce suppliers with participating retailers. For every unit of produce a retailer buys from a supplier, a donation is made. And in-store signage informs consumers about the program and the benefits their patronage has. Children's Miracle Network hospitals treat over 17 million ill children every year at little or no cost to their families because of donations from groups such as PFK.
At a reception held here Oct. 25 following the close for the day of the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit expo floor, Mr. Shuman and others involved with PFK announced the donation totals from the spring campaign, which set records for the organization. Some of the retail partners who were honored at the event, and the amounts they donated, were Harris Teeter ($27,157.20), Price Chopper ($29,922.90), Kroger-Southwest Division ($42,126.50), Giant Food Stores-Carlisle Division ($44,378.31), Acme Markets ($50,616.20), Meijer ($65,697.12) and Publix Super Markets ($197,409).
Also honored was the Southeast Produce Council, which donated $10,000. Terry Vorhees, executive director of the council, said that the money was raised "through our membership." And Supervalu raised about $20,000 toward the spring effort through a golf tournament that benefited Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
All told, PFK's spring campaign raised $487,807.23 for Children's Miracle Network.
Looking at the fall campaign, which is currently underway, PFK is continuing its sponsorship of Zac Sunderland, who, at 16, is in the midst of an endeavor to become the youngest person ever to circumnavigate the globe in a sailboat. Having departed June 14 from Marina del Rey, CA, he is due to complete his journey and return to his home port in the spring of 2009. After that, he will act as an ambassador for PFK.
The organization is also continuing its efforts with PBS and its outreach to teachers and parents to help foster lifelong healthy eating habits in children.
Founded by John Shuman, president of Reidsville, GA-based Shuman Produce Inc., PFK raises money to benefit Children's Miracle Network hospitals in the areas where the funds are raised by connecting participating produce suppliers with participating retailers. For every unit of produce a retailer buys from a supplier, a donation is made. And in-store signage informs consumers about the program and the benefits their patronage has. Children's Miracle Network hospitals treat over 17 million ill children every year at little or no cost to their families because of donations from groups such as PFK.
At a reception held here Oct. 25 following the close for the day of the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit expo floor, Mr. Shuman and others involved with PFK announced the donation totals from the spring campaign, which set records for the organization. Some of the retail partners who were honored at the event, and the amounts they donated, were Harris Teeter ($27,157.20), Price Chopper ($29,922.90), Kroger-Southwest Division ($42,126.50), Giant Food Stores-Carlisle Division ($44,378.31), Acme Markets ($50,616.20), Meijer ($65,697.12) and Publix Super Markets ($197,409).
Also honored was the Southeast Produce Council, which donated $10,000. Terry Vorhees, executive director of the council, said that the money was raised "through our membership." And Supervalu raised about $20,000 toward the spring effort through a golf tournament that benefited Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
All told, PFK's spring campaign raised $487,807.23 for Children's Miracle Network.
Looking at the fall campaign, which is currently underway, PFK is continuing its sponsorship of Zac Sunderland, who, at 16, is in the midst of an endeavor to become the youngest person ever to circumnavigate the globe in a sailboat. Having departed June 14 from Marina del Rey, CA, he is due to complete his journey and return to his home port in the spring of 2009. After that, he will act as an ambassador for PFK.
The organization is also continuing its efforts with PBS and its outreach to teachers and parents to help foster lifelong healthy eating habits in children.
