18
Nov
2015
WHO:
New York Mets All-Star outfielder and Chicago native, Curtis Granderson and the Grand Kids Foundation will host the 3rd Annual Grand Giving initiative to benefit The Greater Chicago Food Depository and Northern Illinois Food Bank during the entire month of November. The Annual 'Night of Giving' Fundraiser to take place Thursday, November 19 at 7pm - Tunnel Chicago, River North.
Granderson, born and raised in Chicago's south suburbs, is a life-long Chicagoan. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Curtis is one of approximately thirty-six current professional baseball players with a four-year college degree.
The Grand Kids Foundation will launch a series of Chicago-based community programs including a month long in-store promotion in partnership with Mariano's in which customers can "Check Out To Help Out" by making a donation at any Mariano's store. Proceeds from Grand Giving benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Northern Illinois Food Bank's youth programs, providing children with nutritious food- as nearly 1 in 5 children are food insecure.
In addition to the month-long fundraising campaign, Grand Giving Weekend includes an array of event programs such as A Night of Giving Reception at Tunnel Chicago (11/19), Grand Kids Mariano's store visit hosted by Granderson (11/20) and a Grand Kids Indoor Youth Baseball Clinic at Curtis Granderson Stadium - UIC (11/21).
"In 2014, Mariano's customers donated over $78,000 to support Grand Giving - nearly a quarter million meals. This year we're excited to elevate our program and fundraising goal with the help of my fellow Grand Giving Ambassadors," said Granderson. "Children should never have to worry about where or when they will have their next meal. Kids who go hungry can fall behind in virtually every way - physically, behaviorally and academically. The Grand Kids Foundation and our Grand Giving partners are dedicated to making a difference in Chicago, one meal at a time."
Granderson enlisted a group of notable Grand Giving Ambassadors to join in his mission including Anthony Rizzo, Scottie Pippen, Jonathan Toews and Israel Idonije, to name a few.
"I'm honored to partner with Curtis Granderson in his mission," said Bob Mariano, chairman and CEO of Roundy's, the parent company of Mariano's. "I'm excited to give our Mariano's customers an opportunity to support the basic needs of children through Grand Giving."
WHAT:
The 3rd Annual Grand-Giving initiative in partnership with Mariano's www.grandgiving.org
WHEN/WHERE:
Nov. 19 - Night of Giving Reception, Tunnel Chicago - 7pm
Nov. 20 - Greater Chicago Food Depository's Kids Café + Mariano's West Loop - 4pm
Nov. 21 - Grand Kids Youth Baseball Clinic, Curtis Granderson Stadium/UIC - 10am
CONTACT:
Christina Coleman (631) 831-5957 - christina@
