Kroger collects $219,366 in fundraiser for Riley

Kroger Co. has raised more than $200,000 to benefit the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis this year, the grocery chain announced Thursday.

Through various fundraising events, Kroger collected $219,366 for the hospital in 2011, bringing its 15-year fundraising total to $1.8 million.

“Every year, Kroger associates and our vendor partners put forth an incredible volunteer effort on behalf of Riley Children’s Foundation,” Kroger President Bob Moeder said in a press release. “Our work for the children and families served by Riley Hospital generates more passionate employee volunteerism than any other event we are involved in.”

One of the primary fundraisers this year was Kroger’s annual balloon scan promotion.

Now in its 27th year, the balloon scan promotion allows customers and associates to donate $1 to $3 to the Riley Children’s Foundation in exchange for a paper cutout of a hot air balloon. The promotion lasted from July 11 through Aug. 20.

One of Bloomington’s Kroger stores, located on South Old State Road 37, led the fundraiser with $2,675 raised.

More money was raised through a partnership with cereal company General Mills, the release stated. There was a specially-designed two pack of Trix and Cheerios that featured packaging detailing the story of the hospital. For every package sold, General
Mills donated $1 to Riley Hospital.

This resulted in $20,000 for the hospital.

In addition, the 15th annual Kroger Race for Riley raised $2,800 from fans. The race featured appearances by NASCAR drivers John Andretti and Clint Bowyer, with a chance for fans to race against Andretti.

“Riley Hospital is an extremely impressive health care institution,” Moeder said, “and we were very pleased to focus our efforts on helping the hospital raise critical funds to help children across the region, nationally and even globally. We do this in part because Riley has helped so many members of the Kroger family.”

— Jake New