Safeway receives well-deserved philanthropic award
by Beth
What a great way to start off Autism Awareness month! I just got news that the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) awarded its 2011 Freeman Philanthropic Services Award to our all-time top corporate Sponsor: Safeway, Inc.
The Freeman Philanthropic Services Award honors a corporation that demonstrates outstanding commitment to important causes through financial support and encouragement, as well as the company’s ability to motivate others to take on leadership roles in their communities. Here at Easter Seals, we know first hand how deserving Safeway is of this award.
Since 1986, Safeway and thousands of its employees nationwide have raised $112 million to help Easter Seals provide services for people with autism and other disabilities. One of the largest, most successful fundraising events Safeway hosts is its annual People with Disabilities Campaign held each April during Autism Awareness Month. All 1,700-plus Safeway stores across the United States and Canada and its family of brands (Vons, Tom Thumb, Dominick’s, Randall’s, Genuardi’s, Carrs and Pavilions) raise funds to support Easter Seals services in local communities.
This year’s campaign has just kicked off and it extends through April, giving customers the opportunity to shop where it counts the most — knowing their dollars will change the lives of families living with autism and other disabilities. Safeway has contributed hundreds of millions to other causes as well: cancer research, education, food banks and more.
The award was presented to Larree Renda, executive vice president of Safeway and Chair of the Safeway Foundation, at the organization’s 48th International Conference on Fundraising here in Chicago. Look for another post later this month where I’ll highlight some of the many, many autism-related programs Safeway supports at Easter Seals. Right now, though, I’m going to take a step away from the computer keyboard and raise my cup of java to this well-deserved award!
April 3rd, 2011 at 3:02 pm
Easter Seals is very honored to have Safeway as our top corporate partner. Congratulations to them for receiving the outstanding corporate award from AFP!