Acosta Initiative Yields $3.5M for Veterans

Mark Hamstra

NEW YORK - Acosta Sales & Marketing made a ceremonial check presentation of $3.5 million to the Wounded Warriors Project on Thursday night at a tribute dinner marking the company's second annual Believe in Heroes fund-raiser.

Calling the effort a "win-win-win-win" — for retailers, CPG companies, Acosta and veterans — Gary Chartrand, executive chairman, Acosta, presented the check to Steve Nardizzi, executive director of the Wounded Warrior Project.

The WWP is a nonprofit organization that seeks to assist veterans who have been physically wounded or suffer other ill effects from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Jacksonvile, Fla.-based Acosta launched the Believe in Heroes campaign in 2010 with one retail partner and 13 CPG brands, but expanded it this year to include more than 65 retailers and 50 CPG brands. The effort included in-store promotions, special packaging, print advertsing and other activities.

Also speaking at the dinner were former National Football League head coach Jeff Fisher, who told of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with a group of wounded veterans; Jeffrey Sinchack, a Navy veteran who received assistance from the Wounded Warrior Project; U.S. Navy Admiral Robert J. Natter; and Robert Hill, president and chief executive officer, Acosta.