Vallarta Store Hosts MDA Check Presentation

Vallarta Supermarkets will present a check for more than $140,000 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, (MDA) Thursday June 12 at 11 a.m. at its Fresno, Calif., store.

The grocer and its shoppers raised the funds during a month-long, chain-wide campaign in which cashiers invited customers to donate at checkstands, the company provided weekly updates on store performances, and store front ends sported full MDA decor with signed mobiles. All funds raised at the end of the campaign are disbursed to local MDA chapters based on store locations.

The MDA uses raised funds in three specific areas: MDA Summer Camp, MDA research and assistance to MDA families. The MDA Summer Camp is a one-week camp for children with muscular dystrophy where kids can have a fun and enjoyable summer performing activities catered to their abilities; the event raises the children's self-esteem, as they are able to play, swim, and run the same way as other children their ages. In the research portion, MDA dedicates funds for scientific research into new therapies, medicine, technologies and a better understanding of neuromuscular diseases in hopes of one day securing a cure for each type. Part of MDA's commitment to its registered families is free assistance for their daily use mof achines and medicine.

This year, Vallarta’s 44 stores raised a total of $143,556.79. The top-fundraising location this year was its Butler Avenue location in Fresno, Calif., which alone raised $16,535.83 in only 30 days.

Founded in 1985 by Enrique Gonzalez Sr; Pacoima, Calif.-based Vallarta is a full-service independent grocery chain with 44 locations throughout the Golden State.