Kretschmar Strengthens Alliance with Make-A-Wish

Donates More than $100,000, Helps Grant Three Wishes over Next Year and More

Nov 12, 2012 11:45 AM ET

LISLE, Ill., Nov. 12, 2012 /3BL Media/PRNewswire/ -- Kretschmar® Premium Deli Meats and Cheeses announced today its continued involvement with the non-profit organization Make-A-Wish^®. As part of the its donation of more than $100,000 to assist with year-round support announced earlier this summer, Kretschmar will help grant three specific wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions between now and June 30, 2013.

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Kretschmar, the premium deli brand most known for its fine ingredients and legendary taste, will help expand awareness for Make-A-Wish through a campaign they call "Legendary Wishes." In addition to granting three wishes, the effort will also consist of year-round support with food donations and cook-out events for local Make-A-Wish chapters across the country.

The alliance will be visible to consumers in a variety of ways to help remind them of Kretschmar's commitment to Make-A-Wish and to let them know how they can get involved. Kretschmar will debut a new radio spot this fall featuring its support of the charity, in addition to displaying signage at supermarket deli counters across the country. Consumers who visit Kretschmar's new Facebook page can learn more about the alliance, read stories about wish kids and learn how to support Make-A-Wish directly.

"Supporting Make-A-Wish and helping make wishes come true for children is something very gratifying for us," said Chuck Gitkin, John Morrell Food Group vice president of marketing and R&D. "Our contribution of over $100,000 can support Make-A-Wish throughout the year and we're thrilled to have the opportunity to fulfill three special wishes for children. And, we really wanted to help support the local Make-A-Wish chapters with food donations and cook-out events to help the communities we serve. We're thankful for this alliance and look forward to working with Make-A-Wish over the course of the year."

Kretschmar is a part of the John Morrell Food Group, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NYSE: SFD). For more information about Kretschmar Deli please visit www.kretschmardeli.com.

About John Morrell Food Group
With over a century and a half of experience, John Morrell Food Group brands have become respected and well known for providing premium-quality meat products to families across the United States. With products ranging from lunchmeat and franks to smoked sausage, bacon and pepperoni, the John Morrell Food Group is an important part of consumers' mealtimes. The John Morrell Food Group offers several national and regional brands including Armour®, Eckrich®, John Morrell®, Curly's®, Patrick Cudahy®, Carando®, Healthy Ones®, Margherita®, Kretschmar® and LunchMakers®.

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. Based 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 25,000 volunteers, Make-A-Wish grants a wish somewhere in the country every 38 minutes. It has granted more than 225,000 wishes since its inception in 1980; nearly 14,000 in 2011 alone. Visit Make-A-Wish at www.wish.org to learn more.