ShopRite Launches 3rd Annual New York State Vets Fundraiser

ShopRite Supermarkets Inc. (SRS), which operates 31 stores under the ShopRite in New York and New Jersey, has kicked off its third annual fundraising campaign to benefit four nonprofit organizations aiding veterans and their families throughout New York state.

Running through Sept. 8, the initiative, which includes the participation of SRS’ customers, store employees and vendors, will raise funds for The Schenectady Military Affairs Council, The Tower of Hope, The Orange County Veterans Food Pantry and The Committee for the Families of Iraq & Afghanistan War Vets. This year, ShopRite has upped its goal to $275,000 -- an increase of $50,000 from 2011’s $225,000 raised.

“We take great pride in supporting veterans and their families within the communities we serve,” noted Tom Urtz, VP of human resources and community affairs for Florida, N.Y.-based SRS. “With the help of our generous customers, associates and vendors, the funds raised will allow these organizations to continue to support our local veteran community.”

The campaign encompasses various fundraising efforts, from a checkout counter donation drive to store team-led initiatives including car washes, hot dog sales, pancake breakfasts, spaghetti dinners, raffles and giveaways. Additionally, ShopRite vendors contribute by donating a portion of the proceeds from special product promotions to the overall campaign.

ShopRite is the registered trademark of Keasbey, N.J.-based retail cooperative Wakefern Food Corp. With more than 230 ShopRite supermarkets throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland, ShopRite serves more than 5 million customers each week.