Kretschmar Continues Make-A-Wish Partnership

Kretschmar has renewed its support of the nonprofit Make-A-Wish for 2014 with a $100,000 donation for the second consecutive year, and the brand will grant three wishes to children with life-threatening conditions.

"We were thrilled with the results that we achieved in our first year and look forward to making our campaign bigger and better in 2014,” said Michael Sargent, brand manager for Kretschmar. “Above all, we're excited to help make children's wishes come true and give them a very special experience."

Kretschmar established its association with Make-A-Wish last year with a $100,000 donation and helped grant three wishes to children as part of the “Legendary Wishes” campaign. The wishes were granted in Kansas City, Mo., Peoria, Ill., and Gretna, Neb.

Additional funding was raised for each wish with help from Kretschmar's retail partners. Sales of Make-A-Wish paper stars, which were sold at registers for $1, sandwich fundraisers and employee donations raised an additional $25,000.

"Kretschmar's efforts, along with our retail partners', have led to one of our most rewarding and fulfilling campaigns," said Chuck Gitkin, VP, Marketing, Innovation and R&D, John Morrell Food Group. "Thanks to their endeavors, we were able to go above and beyond our original donation and provide additional support for Make-A-Wish.”

Kretschmar's alliance with Make-A-Wish will be highlighted through its retail partners in 2014. Photos of Kretschmar-sponsored wishes will be displayed at supermarket deli counters, and branded signage will be shown throughout the stores.

Kretschmar is a part of John Morrell Food Group, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, Inc.