PUBLIX DONATES $1.24 MILLION TO FLORIDA’S SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES

Proving that not even a sluggish economy can deter the generosity of Floridians, Publix Super Markets associates and customers raised a remarkable $1,240,340.30 in just three weeks for Special Olympics Florida as part of an annual promotion, in partnership with Procter & Gamble, which ran during the month of January.

By purchasing paper torches for $1, $3 or $5, Publix associates and customers throughout Florida showed their support of the organization, dedicated to serving children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Publix presented the $1.24 million check during a ceremony for the Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on the steps of the State Capitol in Tallahassee.  A supporter of Special Olympics Florida for thirty-six years, Publix serves as the Premier Sponsor of Special Olympics Florida, the Premier Sponsor of the annual Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run, and has an industry-leading history of hiring people with intellectual disabilities, many of whom participate in Special Olympics.

“We are pleased to be one of the top supporters of Special Olympics Florida,” said Maria Brous, Director of Media and Community Relations for Publix Super Markets. “Our customers and associates look forward to supporting the campaign each year. For Publix, it’s a personal mission. Many of our very own associates compete in the State and National Games. Supporting Special Olympics means supporting our associates and that is part of our commitment of being a great place to work!”

Monty Castevens, President and CEO of Special Olympics Florida said “We are very fortunate to have the ongoing support of Publix,” said Mr. Castevens, “one of the lasting benefits of Publix Super Markets’ promotion is that it helps educate the public about Special Olympics and its long-term impact on the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.”  Castevens added “Through sports, our athletes realize their full potential and develop necessary life skills.  It’s through the efforts of generous organizations like Publix that we can provide our athletes these opportunities at no cost to the athlete or their caregivers.”
 

See photos from the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Publix presentation ceremony at the Capitol. 

Publix is privately owned and operated by its 146,000 employees, with 2007 sales of $23 billion. Currently Publix has 928 stores in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee. The company has been named one of FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work for in America” for 11 consecutive years. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized as tops in the grocery business, most recently by an American Customer Satisfaction Index survey. For more information, visit www.publix.com

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Media Contacts:
Amie Dugan
VP, Marketing and Communications
Special Olympics Florida
352-243-9536 ext. 506

Maria Brous
Director of Media and Community Relations
Publix Super Markets
863-688-1188 x55339