Cause Marketing/ Community Programs

PITTSBURGH — Dick's Sporting Goods is partnering with a group of current professional football players who have had life experiences with breast cancer, as part of its campaign for National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Denver linebacker Von Miller, New England wide receiver Wes Welker and other gridiron stars will promote the "Sport Your Support" campaign and "Endless Ribbon" initiative via public relations and social media.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway is calling on its associates and customers to take simple steps toward a better life.

The company has launched the "Heart of Safeway Pledge" as a personal call-to-action to take simple, everyday steps – such as using energy-conserving light bulbs, taking a 15-minute walk three times a week or eating healthier foods – that benefit pledge-takers and their communities.

NEW YORK — In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Macy's is selling a special I.N.C. International Concepts lace top with part of the proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The I.N.C. International Concepts lace top for $59.50, available exclusively at Macy's and macys.com/pink. During the month of October, 5% of the purchase price will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Grocer Safeway Inc. said Tuesday it has extended its corporate social responsibility commitment with the introduction of a new program it calls Heart of Safeway Pledge, which encourages consumers and communities to be more conservative and socially responsible.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Hy-Vee is showing its commitment to health by joining the efforts to make its home state of Iowa the healthiest in the nation.

More than 100 Hy-Vee stores will take part in the second Healthiest State Walk on Oct. 3.

GLENWILLOW, Ohio — Dots, a leading women's fashion retailer, is partnering with Susan G. Komen for the Cure for the fourth consecutive year to help raise awareness of the importance of breast cancer prevention, detection and treatment with the "Girlfriends Giving Back" program.

During a year that saw Dollar General open its 10,000th store and AutoZone opens its 5,000th store, rent-to-own retailer Aaron’s has opened its 2,000th location.

The Atlanta-based retailer specializing in the sales and lease ownership of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, designated a store in the Bronx, New York as its 2,000th location.

PepsiCo’s Mountain Dew executives and recording artist Lil Wayne this week opened a new skate park in New Orleans made possible by funding from the beverage brand.

The skate park is located in the city’s Ninth Ward, a region that gained infamy following devastating flooding after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The skate park is a key component of a social media, brand building initiative known as DEWeezy that was announced in March of this year and offers Dew fans an opportunity to create a television commercial featuring Lil Wayne.

GRAPEVINE, Texas — GameStop as formed The Gamer Fund to provide temporary relief and meet the basic needs of GameStop associates who are facing hardships from tragic and isolated events. Endowed with seed donations from GameStop’s founders and senior management team, The Gamer Fund will be fully run and funded by GameStop associates.

NAPERVILLE, Ill. — OfficeMax is easing the burden felt by many teachers through its  sixth annual A Day Made Better teacher surprise events on Tuesday, October 2nd.

On Oct. 2, OfficeMax will surprise 1,000 teachers each with $1,000 worth of school supplies for their classrooms.  To identify recipient schools in need across the country, OfficeMax partnered with the nonprofit organization AdoptAClassroom.org. Principals of participating schools nominated teachers that exemplify passion, dedication and innovation in the classroom.