CHICAGO –Oct. 21, 2009 –
Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger relief organization, today announced that they have received a donation of 10 million meals raised by Macy's and its customers. The donation was made possible by a partnership between Macy's and Feeding America called"Come Together," which launched on Sept. 13. The"Come Together" campaign urged the public to donate to Feeding America by hosting dinner parties in their homes and asking their guests to contribute to Feeding America in lieu of bringing a host gift or a bottle of wine. Donations were made on macys.com/cometogether or in any Macy's store, and Macy's matched those donations dollar for dollar through October 21.
This innovative awareness and fundraising campaign helped us in many ways," said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America."'Come Together'" raised awareness of the pervasiveness of domestic hunger. More than 36 million Americans live at risk of hunger – meaning that they do not always know where they will find their next meal. Secondly, it provided a variety of simple easy ways for Americans to help their neighbors by hosting dinner parties, donating on line, donating directly at Macy's stores, or by attending one of the dozens of fund-raising events held at Macy's stores. Most importantly, this partnership resulted in a very sizeable donation to Feeding America – the equivalent of more than 10 million meals, coming to our food banks at a time of record-breaking demand. Macy's matched each dollar donated, dollar to dollar."
"Macy's has been a long-time supporter of Feeding America," said Escarra."Their 'Bag Hunger' volunteer program raised 9.7 million pounds of food this past summer alone."
"Macy's Come Together campaign for Feeding America created a special reason for family and friends to spend quality time together this fall while supporting a cause that impacts local communities across the country," said Peter Sachse, Macy's chief marketing officer."Providing 10 million meals for the hungry in the U.S. is a remarkable achievement. We thank our customers, communities, business partners and associates who all contributed to the success of this great effort."
The"Come Together" campaign was supported by robust national marketing that included in-store displays, direct mail, print advertising and a television campaign that featured Jessica Simpson, Queen Latifah, Mariah Carey, Usher, Martha Stewart, Emeril Lagasse, Tommy Hilfiger and Donald Trump.
Macy's hosted a dinner party during New York Fashion Week on September 15th in its flagship Herald Square store. The event, hosted by Martha Stewart and Emeril
Lagasse benefitted Feeding America. More than 650 full-line Macy's stores across the country also participated in the World's Largest Dinner Party on September 15. Additionally, Macys Culinary Council chefs hosted fundraising dinner parties in more than 30 Macy's stores throughout campaign.
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About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 5.3 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
