Shoprite Announces Third Annual Fundraising Initiative to Benefit Veterans Groups Throughout New York State

ShopRite Supermarkets, which operates 31 ShopRite stores in New York and New Jersey, including recently opened locations in White Plains, Scarsdale, Niskayuna and Albany NY, announced the launch of its annual fundraising campaign to benefit four non-profit organizations aiding veterans and their families throughout New York State. The third annual fundraising initiative, led by ShopRite Supermarkets, its customers, store associates and vendors, will raise funds to benefit The Schenectady Military Affairs Council, The Tower of Hope, The Orange County Veterans Food Pantry and The Committee for the Families of Iraq & Afghanistan War Vets – all of whom support the many needs of veterans and their families throughout New York State. This year, ShopRite has increased its goal to $275,000 – an increase of $50,000 from last year’s $225,000 raised. The campaign will run from now through September 8, 2012. “We are excited to announce this year’s goal of raising $275,000 for these fine organizations,” said Tom Urtz, Vice President of Human Resources and Community Affairs, for ShopRite.  “We take great pride in supporting veterans and their families within the communities we serve.  With the help of our generous customers, associates and vendors, the funds raised will allow these organizations to continue to support our local veteran community. We would like to thank those who continue to support this important initiative.” ShopRite’s Veteran campaign is comprised of various fundraising efforts, from a check-out counter donation drive to highly successful initiatives led by the store teams including, car washes, hot dog sales, pancake breakfasts, spaghetti dinners, raffles and giveaways.  In addition, ShopRite vendors contributed by donating a portion of the proceeds from special product promotions to the overall campaign.

 VETERAN’S ORGANIZATIONS OVERVIEW

The Committee for the Families of Iraq & Afghanistan War Vets - provides emotional, financial and educational support for Mid-Hudson Valley veterans and families of military personnel killed or wounded while fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. This 57 member volunteer organization helps veterans cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and suicide prevention, offers funding for therapy and rehabilitation and professional consultations to retrain and re-employ veterans back into the work force. To learn more, visit www.familiesofwarvets.org. The Schenectady Military Affairs Council (SMAC) values the importance of Stratton Air National Guard Base and other military installations to the overall well-being of the Capital Region’s economy and quality of life.  SMAC’s mission is to highlight the importance of the military presence in the Capital Region and Tech Valley.  Its number-one goal is to ensure the long-term viability and success of the 109th Airlift Wing and other military units in the Capital Region. We strive to facilitate a symbiotic partnership between the community and military. The Tower of Hope - provides funding to train and care for expertly trained service dogs so seriously wounded veterans can live in greater safety and comfort, and with higher independence. With service dogs costing more than $25,000 per year, The Tower of Hope proudly provides service dogs to veterans at no charge. To learn more, visit www.thetowerofhope.org. The Orange County Veterans Food Pantry - provides food and non-perishable items for the growing community of veterans of all ages and branches of service who have served our country. The County of Orange oversees this pantry and provides a delivery service to the families that have no means of transportation. To learn more, visit www.orangecountygov.com.