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UKROP’S ENHANCES ANNUAL GOLDEN GIFT COMMUNITY PROGRAM
Company plans to donate $400,000 to charitable organizations in 2008 thanks to its community-giving program, made easier this year with a simpler approach
RICHMOND, VA – Feb. 11, 2008 - Ukrop’s Super Markets Inc. today announced several enhancements as part of its 2008 Ukrop’s Golden Gift Program that will distribute $400,000 this year to local non-profit organizations in Richmond, Williamsburg, Fredericksburg and Roanoke.
During the last 20 years, the company has distributed $11.6 million to hundreds of local non-profit organizations through its Golden Gift program. Golden Gift is a truly unique giving program because donations are made completely at the direction of Ukrop’s Valued Customers.
“Based on feedback from customers and non-profit organizations, we are launching this year’s program by combining only the best aspects of previous programs,” said Bobby Ukrop, president and CEO of Ukrop’s. “It’s easier than ever to participate and earn funds.”
“Ukrop’s Golden Gift program is one of the various ways we honor our pledge to give back at least 10 percent of our pre-tax profits to the communities we serve,” added Ukrop. “Being helpful in the community has been a focus for our family-owned company since my mom and dad opened our first store in Richmond in 1937.”
What’s new with Golden Gift for 2008?
- Program enhancements from the previous year include simplified registration for the charitable organizations, the printing of Golden Gift Certificates, and the issuance of paper checks.
- Customers no longer have to register to participate in the program.
- Points are earned simply by using a valid Ukrop’s Valued Customer card.
How does Golden Gift work?
- Non-profit organizations register either online or in-store until March 29.
- Every time a customer shops at Ukrop’s and uses a valid UVC card between Feb. 4 and March 29, customers will earn one Golden Gift Point for every $1 spent.
- The more customers shop, the more they earn.
- Points are automatically calculated and tracked on purchase receipts.
- At the end of the program period, a Golden Gift Certificate that details a customer’s points will be mailed to the household.
- Customers turn their Golden Gift Certificate in to the participating non-profit organization of their choice. The more Golden Gift points a participating non-profit collects, the greater their share of the $400,000 payout.
- Each participating non-profit organization can earn up to 2 percent of the total $400,000 payout.
- The deadline for participating non-profit organizations to submit envelopes containing the Golden Gift Certificates they have collected from Ukrop’s Valued Customers is June 14, 2008.
- Golden Gift payout checks will be mailed to participating non-profit organizations by Aug. 29, 2008.
How to maximize donations for non-profit organizations?
- Non-profit organizations should register early in the program period and encourage their loyal supporters or members to shop at Ukrop’s.
- Customers need to ensure their UVC cards are valid with current contact information.
- Households must spend at least $100 during the entire program period (an average of $12.50 per week over eight weeks) in order to receive a Golden Gift Certificate.
- Golden Gift points for all household members whose UVC cards are linked will be tallied together.
Media Contacts:
Susan Rowe
Ukrop’s Super Markets Inc.
804-340-3104
Susan.Rowe@ukrops.com
Jonathan Rhudy
For Ukrop’s Super Markets Inc.
804-897-0763
jonathan@rhudy.biz
About Ukrop’s
Ukrop's Super Markets, Inc., founded and headquartered in Richmond, Va., with more than 5,600, associates now operates 29 retail food stores, Joe's Market (a regional specialty market), a central bakery and kitchen, and a distribution center. Since 1937, the privately held business remains dedicated to its version of the Golden Rule: “treating customers, associates, and suppliers as they personally want to be treated.” Each year, Ukrop's gives a minimum of 10 percent of its pre-tax profits back to the community. Ukrop's was a pioneer in both loyalty marketing and meal solutions when it launched its Valued Customer® program in 1987 and its chilled prepared foods in 1989. In 1997, Ukrop's established a unique partnership to place banks in its retail locations. Today, it co-owns, with Markel Corporation, 25 First Market Bank branches in Ukrop's locations and 10 free-standing branches. www.ukrops.com
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