Friday, August 1, 2008

Fry's Food Stores Is Back As A VIP Partner In The 2008 Susan G. Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure®

The Phoenix Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is pleased to welcome back Fry's Food Stores as its VIP Partner for the 2008 Susan G. Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure®.

This year marks the 16th anniversary of the Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure and the fourth year in a row that Fry's has participated as the VIP Partner. The 2008 Race, expected to draw as many as 39,000 participants, will take place on Sunday, Oct. 12th in the State Capitol District.

Both Bedmart, last year's Sleep In for the Cure® sponsor, and Arizona Ford Dealers are returning as local presenting sponsors of the Race. They will be joined by University of Phoenix, who is a first-time sponsor. Chevron is the event's registration sponsor. Channel 12 continues to serve as the year-round presenting media partner of the Komen Phoenix Affiliate.

"While our volunteers and participants are the heart of our organization, the Race – our signature event – would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors," says Pat Elder, Executive Director of the Komen Phoenix Affiliate. "Fry's Food Stores continuously goes above and beyond to support our cause, and we're thrilled to partner with them again in 2008."

As VIP sponsor, Fry's will help promote the Race through posters, local advertisements and in-store announcements. During the three weekends prior to Race day, a selected store will host in-person registration and all stores will begin selling breast cancer awareness merchandise. On Race day, Fry's will supply fruit, cups and water for all Race participants. Fry's is also establishing a large team to participate in the Race and is providing volunteers for Race day. Last year's team included more than 415 participants and raised more than $200,000.

"Fry's Food Stores is a proud supporter of the Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure again this year," says Kendra Doyel, Director of Public Relations. "We are looking forward to another successful Race as well as a chance for our associates and communities to come together and fight breast cancer."

The Phoenix Race is the largest 5K event in Arizona and also features a one-mile family fun run and walk. Last year Race participants totaled 37,000 and raised more than $1.9 million towards national research and education, screening and treatment for the medically underserved throughout central and northern Arizona. Registration for individuals, teams and Sleep In for the Cure participants is available online at komenphoenix.org.