DETROIT, Aug. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Approximately 200 breast cancer survivors, their family members and caregivers will be treated to a special Pink Out the Park event at Comerica Park on Sept. 5, thanks to the generosity of Kroger. The Sept. 5 Pink Out the Park event is a partnership of the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and the Detroit Tigers to honor breast cancer survivors and raise awareness of breast cancer prevention. Kroger, a major sponsor of Pink Out the Park, has designated 200 Pepsi Porch Party tickets for the Sept. 5 Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Indians game so that those impacted by breast cancer can enjoy a special evening at the ballpark.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20071106/KARMANOSLOGO)
Kroger has been a longtime supporter of breast cancer awareness and the Karmanos Cancer Institute. To recognize Kroger as a leading champion in the breast cancer fight, a Kroger associate who has faced this disease and helps others going through it will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Kroger's support of Pink Out the Park is another example of their ongoing commitment to breast cancer awareness, donating nearly $550,000 to support breast cancer research at the Karmanos Cancer Institute since 2006.
"We're are grateful for the incredible support of our vendors and customers who have stepped up to support our efforts, such as our pink tag and coin box promotions to benefit breast cancer research, " said Rick Going, president, The Kroger Co. of Michigan. "We are committed to our communities and the well-being of all those we serve. Engaging our constituents to support great causes, such as Pink Out the Park and the ground-breaking research at the Karmanos Cancer Institute, is a win for everyone."
Detroit Tigers fans will have an opportunity to show their support by wearing pink to the Sept. 5 game or by purchasing one of two special ticket options:
- Pepsi Porch Party tickets available through Aug. 15, at $65 each, will include: a seat in the Outfield Box area with access to the Pepsi Porch; a Pink Out the Park t-shirt; and all you can eat Ballpark Buffet with hot dogs, hamburgers, cole slaw, pasta salad, baked beans chips, water and soft drinks.
- Cancer-Fighting tickets, at $26 each, will provide seating in the Upper Box section area. These tickets will be available through game day. Those who order by Aug. 20 will also receive a Pink Out the Park t-shirt.
Visit www.karmanos.org/tigers for ticket purchase information or call 313-576-8112.
There will also be informational booths throughout Comerica Park with breast health education materials for fans to take home on Sept. 5.
"Kroger's outstanding support of Karmanos' breast cancer research impacts cancer patients across the globe," said Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO, Karmanos Cancer Institute.
"We're fortunate to have world-renown cancer experts who are relentless in their commitment to find better treatments, bringing us closer to a cure for this disease. We are extremely grateful for partners such as Kroger and the Detroit Tigers who raise awareness and funds to benefit our efforts to eradicate cancer."
In addition to Kroger, other sponsors for the Sept. 5 Pink Out the Park include FOX Sports Detroit and CBS Radio Detroit stations: WWJ Newsradio 950, 97.1 The Ticket, 98.7 AMP Radio, 99.5 WYCD, 104.3 WOMC and Talk Radio 1270 WXYT.
About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for nearly 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $265 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, Karmanos is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., is the Institute's president and chief executive officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org.
About The Kroger Co. of Michigan
Incorporated in Michigan in 1909 and headquartered in Novi, The Kroger Co. of Michigan includes 16,000 associates, 130 Kroger stores, 45 fuel centers, 104 pharmacies and the Michigan Dairy.
Nationally, Kroger is the largest traditional grocery retailer, employing more than 338,000 associates who serve customers in 2,458 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's. The Company also operates 786 convenience stores, 361 fine jewelry stores, 1,014 supermarket fuel centers and 40 food processing plants in the U.S.
Kroger focuses its charitable efforts on supporting hunger relief, health and wellness initiatives, and local organizations in the communities it serves. The grocer has a long history of charitable contributions and was recently named number one among America's most generous companies in a Chronicle of Philanthropy listing featured in Forbes Magazine. The list recognized companies that give back the most, with Kroger ranked first among companies contributing the largest percentage of their pre-tax profits. For more information about Kroger, please visit www.kroger.com.
SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute
