MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 07, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kretschmar® Premium Deli Meats & Cheeses has partnered with Festival Foods to donate $28,000 to Make-A-Wish® Minnesota. Kretschmar made the donation at the annual Walk for Wishes in Minneapolis Saturday as part of its Legendary Wishes campaign, which helps grant wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses. The Walk for Wishes celebrates wishes that have already been granted and raises money for future wishes.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1b8a5cbd-dc85-4e3f-b067-0180b3230139
As part of the event, the crowd was treated to a live performance by Kretschmar Country Artist Kelleigh Bannen, a talented, up-and-coming artist, and one of CMT's "Next Women of Country," who played songs from her most recent album, "Cheap Sunglasses." Walk for Wishes participants and guests also enjoyed delicious Kretschmar deli samples, coupons, and giveaways from the Kretschmar mobile tour.
"Kretschmar has a long history of supporting Make-A-Wish, and it is our privilege to continue helping make wishes come true for children," said Michael Baughman, Smithfield Foods director of marketing. "We feel that it's especially important for individuals and companies alike to come together and support organizations that help the community, especially those that help children, and we greatly appreciate Festival Foods partnering with us for this event in Minneapolis."
Since 2012, Kretschmar has contributed more than $650,000 to Make-A-Wish nationally and sponsored more than 12 wishes with local chapters through the brand's Legendary Wishes campaign.
Thanks to retail partners like Festival Foods, Kretschmar has raised additional funding through employee donations and sandwich fundraisers. Festival Foods raised $13,000 from June 28 through July 12 to help grant future wishes.
"Make-A-Wish Minnesota relies on the help of supporters such as Kretschmar, Festival Foods, and their customers to grant wishes for Minnesota children with life-threatening medical conditions," said Mia Broos Hoagberg, Make-A-Wish Minnesota president and CEO. "We are grateful to Kretschmar and Festival Foods for their support, which allows Make-A-Wish Minnesota to provide life-changing experiences, and gives children hope as they look toward the future."
For more information about Kretschmar Deli and its involvement with Make-A-Wish visit www.kretschmardeli.com or www.facebook.com/kretschmardeli.
Kretschmar is a brand of Smithfield Foods.
About Kretschmar
Kretschmar® Premium Deli Meats & Cheeses has meant quality since 1883. Our hams are made with a unique hardwood smoking process. Kretschmar poultry and beef are hand-trimmed using the finest cuts. Our full line of Off-The-Bone deli meats are delicately sliced from the leanest, most tender cuts. And our premium Wisconsin cheeses repeatedly win in competitions world-wide. Try the Legendary Taste of Kretschmar today. For great recipes and more, like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/kretschmardeli or visit our website at www.kretschmardeli.com.
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Nathan's Famous®, Farmland®, Armour®, John Morrell®, Cook's®, Kretschmar®, Gwaltney®, Curly's®, Margherita®, Carando®, Healthy Ones®, Krakus®, Morliny® and Berlinki®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.
About Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. According to a 2011 U.S. study of wish impact, most health professionals surveyed believe a wish-come-true has positive impacts on the health of children. Kids say wishes give them renewed strength to fight their illness, and their parents say these experiences help strengthen the entire family. Headquartered in Phoenix, Make-A-Wish is one of the world's leading children's charities, serving children in every community in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and more than 28,000 volunteers, Make-A-Wish grants a wish somewhere in the country every 21 minutes. It has granted more than 270,000 wishes since its inception in 1980; more than 14,800 in 2015 alone. Visit Make-A-Wish at www.wish.org to learn more.
About Knowlan's Super Markets, Inc.
Festival Foods stores in St. Paul and Minneapolis are owned by Knowlan's Super Markets, Inc. The company, based in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, owns six Festival Foods stores and two Knowlan's Fresh Foods stores. Knowlan's Super Markets, Inc. is a privately held company founded in 1905. Twin Cities native Lauri Youngquist, President and CEO, currently owns and operates the chain. Youngquist's sister, Marie Arthun, is also an owner. More information is available at FestivalFoods.net.
Contact:
Terrence Merkerson
Breaking Limits for Kretschmar
2137 South Blvd., Suite 200
Charlotte, N.C. 28203
Cell: 704-787-0025
E-Mail: tmerkerson@breakinglimits.net