Grand Rapids, Michigan-based SpartanNash recently hosted its annual fundraising campaign through the company’s foundation, supporting Special Olympics athletes and State Summer Games in eight states.
The in-store fundraiser ran from Feb. 8-24 to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics. SpartanNash customers donated about $205,000 and, with a donation from the foundation, $235,000 will be distributed to Special Olympics.
Store guests at Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s Grocery, Supermercado Nuestra Familia and Forest Hill Foods were given the opportunity to donate by rounding up their purchase or adding an additional $1, $5 or $10 at any checkout lane, as well as with online purchases through Fast Lane.
“We’re extremely proud of our ongoing partnership with the Special Olympics and our communities who show up year after year to support opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to develop new skills and friendships,” said Adrienne Chance, SpartanNash SVP of communications and executive director of the SpartanNash Foundation.
“As a ‘People First’ company, we are honored to celebrate our own associate athletes as well as the other children and adults who demonstrate incredible courage and commitment within their sports.”
The SpartanNash Foundation has donated more than $10.1 million and tens of thousands of volunteer hours throughout its 39-year partnership with the nonprofit. This year, SpartanNash employs 16 Special Olympics athletes who have provided a combined 148 years of service to guests at company-owned retail stores.
“We are always amazed, but never shocked, when the SpartanNash community turns out in support of our organization and athletes,” said Tim Hileman, president and CEO of Special Olympics Michigan.
“The energy they put into this annual fundraiser, combined with the volunteer and cheer time, speaks to the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to the Special Olympics.”
Donations will support Special Olympics athletes in Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The funds will stay local and go directly to the corresponding Special Olympics affiliates in that state.
To learn more, visit spartannash.com/foundation-scans.
