KROGER, COCA-COLA TEAM UP TO SUPPORT EAST LAKE FOUNDATION RECORD DONATION HELPS FAMILIES BUILD BRIGHTER FUTURES

 

ATLANTA (November 2, 2009) – The East Lake Foundation is pleased to announce that it has received a $76,000 donation from Kroger and Coca-Cola as part of the charitable contributions from THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola. While Kroger and Coca-Cola have long supported the work of the East Lake Foundation, their 2009 donation is more than 50% larger than the $50,000 donation underwritten by the companies in 2008. (The total funds raised by the 2009 TOUR Championship will be announced at a later date.)

 

“We are extremely thankful to Kroger and Coca-Cola for their continuing generosity,” saidMadelyn R. Adams, East Lake Foundation Executive Director. “Their support enables us to provide tools that help Atlanta’s East Lake residents build brighter futures for themselves and their children. Especially in this challenging economy, we appreciate such a generous gift.”

 

“We’re very grateful for the partnership with Coca-Cola and look forward to joint endeavors in the future,” said Glynn Jenkins, Director of Communications and Public Relations for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “Considering the current economic conditions, we were extremely happy to see an increase in charitable donations and are very proud of our customers and associates for their goodwill during a time when so many are in need of help and support.”

 

“We are proud to partner with Kroger in support of the East Lake Foundation’s efforts to provide tools that help children and families build a better future and reach their highest potential,” said H. Scott Tillman, Brand Operations Manager, Coca-Cola North America. “For almost as long as there has been Coca-Cola, we have been involved in local communities and have taken action to support them.”

 

Longstanding and dedicated supporters of the revitalization of East Lake, Kroger and Coca-Cola intensified their efforts in 2009. The companies collaborated this summer to promote the TICKETS Fore CHARITY program, which enabled Atlanta-area Kroger shoppers to purchase discounted tickets to THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the East Lake Foundation. In addition, Kroger featured East Lake students in its print and broadcast ads, and Coca-Cola employees provided thousands of hours of volunteer support to the East Lake neighborhood, including tutoring children, coaching student athletes and beautifying parks.