Every day, families in central Ohio and beyond rely on Kroger for fresh, nutritious groceries.
And thanks to a longstanding partnership with Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), our communities can also count on Kroger to help advance breast cancer research.
The Kroger Company invests in cutting-edge breast cancer research at the OSUCCC – James by supporting the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research. The company leverages its very visible public profile and reputation for excellence to raise awareness and critical research dollars.
Throughout the year, Kroger sponsors events benefiting the OSUCCC – James, including the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer and the Buckeyes’ Go Pink Game. During the latter, held most recently this past Oct. 26 when Ohio State hosted Penn State, Ohio Stadium experienced a “pink out” as Buckeye fans sported pink attire and brandished pink spirit towels and light-up wands.
Kroger also holds a Pink Ribbon campaign in stores each October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During this popular campaign, shoppers may purchase a pink ribbon for $1. The 2013 campaign raised more than $200,000 from the 127 stores in the Columbus District for research at the OSUCCC – James. In addition, Kroger helps to highlight merchandise from manufacturers that donate a portion of proceeds to breast cancer causes. Customers can easily identify those items on store shelves during Breast Cancer Awareness Month thanks to Kroger’s specialty tags.
Bruce Macaulay, president of Kroger Co.’s Columbus Division, points out that women’s health is a key philanthropic initiative for the company.
“Breast cancer impacts so many people, including our Kroger customers, associates and their families. We have many breast cancer survivors among our Kroger ranks and hope to grow the survivor numbers by raising funds to support research that will someday eradicate this deadly disease.”
Kroger teamed up with Stefanie Spielman and her husband Chris for many years as she waged her battle against breast cancer while raising funds to support research. “We believed in Stefanie’s cause then and we continue to believe in it today, which makes our partnership with the Stefanie Spielman Fund and the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute so special,” says Macaulay. “We have been honored to join Chris and his daughter, Maddie, along with Urban Meyer, in an annual breast cancer awareness campaign as we continue to champion breast cancer research in Stefanie’s honor.”
Kroger Public Affairs Manager Cheryl McCormick underscores that commitment. “It’s comforting to know that we have an institution like The James in our own backyard. And with Kroger being in the neighborhoods of that backyard, it’s important that we support The James.”