7-Eleven® Adds Plush Lab Puppies to its Menagerie Benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® Thanks and Giving® Campaign.
DALLAS (Nov. 13, 2008) – 7-Eleven, Inc., one of the original retail partners of the annual St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Thanks and Giving campaign, has four cuddly ways to support the nation’s leading pediatric cancer research and treatment center this holiday season. Thanks and Giving asks consumers to “Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not.”
Two collectible, plush Labrador puppies and two teddy bears will be available for purchase at participating 7-Eleven® stores through the holidays, while supplies last. The ultra-soft bears and pups retail for $8.99 each, of which $2 will be donated to St. Jude. Since 2004, 7-Eleven® stores have raised more than $400,000 for the world-renowned children’s hospital based in Memphis, Tenn.
“Supporting the health and well-being of children is an important charitable focus for 7-Eleven and its Franchisees,” said Joe DePinto, 7-Eleven, Inc.’s president and CEO. “We are doing more in our stores to attract young customers, and it is fitting that we give back to this worthy charity that does so much for kids who are ill and their families.”
“The St. Jude bears have become a holiday tradition at 7-Eleven, and we expect the new puppies to be just as popular, if not more so, with our customers,” said Terry McGill, nonfoods category manager at 7-Eleven. “These collectible toys are created exclusively for 7-Eleven, and we have a new one each year that you won’t find anywhere else. During the holidays, it’s an ideal way to support such an important children’s charity and give someone a new friend.”
7-Eleven was among the first retailers to sell a plush toy bear as part of the annual Thanks and Giving campaign, offering a different bear in each of the previous years it has been involved with St. Jude. To the oatmeal- and golden brown-colored bears, 7-Eleven adds yellow and black Lab puppies this year, each with the St. Jude logo embroidered on one paw and a matching green ribbon and bow around its neck.
“The children of St. Jude, their moms and dads, and I are thrilled to welcome back 7-Eleven stores to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Thanks and Giving campaign" said Marlo Thomas, National Outreach Director for St. Jude. "7-Eleven’s dedication to this holiday campaign helps ensure that St. Jude can continue the lifesaving research and care that has brought hope to so many families."
About 7 Eleven, Inc.
7 Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses 7,600 7-Eleven® stores in North America. Globally, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses more than 35,000 stores in 17 countries. During 2007, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales of more than $46.6 billion. Named the #1 Franchise Opportunity for 2008 by Entrepreneur magazine, 7-Eleven is franchising virtually all of its stores in the U.S., and is expanding through its Business Conversion Program, acquisitions, building new and leasing existing properties. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com.
About St. Jude
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization.
About Thanks and Giving
The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Thanks and Giving national campaign is an unprecedented union of celebrities, media, retail and corporate partners that ask consumers to “Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not.” The Thanks and Giving initiative was created in 2004 by Marlo Thomas and her siblings Terre and Tony Thomas, children of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas. Funds raised by the campaign support the lifesaving work of St. Jude – to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. St Jude impacts the lives of children in communities across the country. Consumers are asked to shop at companies where the St. Jude green magnifying glass logo is displayed; donate online at www.stjude.org, where a list of fund-raising partners is available, or call 1-800-4STJUDE.
Margaret Chabris
972-828-7285
Margaret.Chabris@7-11.com