Utah Retailers Donate $100K to Make-A-Wish

The retail banners of Associated Retail Operations – Macey’s, Lin’s, Dan’s, Dick’s Market and Fresh Market – raised more than $100,000 for Make-A-Wish Utah during an August star icon drive. The money will grant 20 wishes for Utah children facing life-threatening medical conditions. The top-selling store, Lin’s in Cedar City, Utah, will host a wish reveal party in 2017 for one child waiting to receive his or her wish.

During August, all 42 locations of the retail banners asked customers to purchase the star icons during checkout. Customers could donate any amount for the star, which allowed contributions from pocket change to several dollars at a time.

“Our guests are amazing and really step up to help each other out. The Make-A-Wish drive is a guest favorite and we’re so honored to be able to work with an organization like Make-A-Wish Utah to make a difference in the lives of our community members,” said Darin Peirce, Associated Retail Operations’ south district manager.

Associated Retail Operations has granted more than 95 wishes since partnering with Make-A-Wish in 2010.

Associated Retail Operations consists of five grocery stores owned by Associated Food Stores, an independent, retailer-owned grocery wholesaler based in Salt Lake City.