Cause Marketing/ Community Programs

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart announced that Dan Bartlett will become the company's new executive VP of corporate affairs in late June.  Bartlett, 41, most recently served as president and CEO of the U. S. arm of Hill+Knowlton Strategies, a global business advisory firm serving corporations, non-profits and associations in 52 countries.

The Home Depot shrugged off bad weather, and thanks, in part, to a recovering housing market, the company reported first quarter sales of $19.1 billion, up 7.4% from last year's quarter, which had one less week. 

On a like-for-like basis, comparable store sales for the first quarter were positive 4.3%. U.S. stores comps were positive 4.8%, also on a like-for-like basis.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Kohl’s has donated $1.5 million to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin on behalf of Kohl’s Cares, the company’s philanthropic arm. 

The money will fund the Kohl’s Cares Grow Safe & Healthy program designed to make Wisconsin kids and families aware of safety risks in and out of their homes, and the necessary steps to help avoid injury. The $1.5 million gift represents the largest corporate donation to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin this year.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — CVS Caremark president and CEO Larry Merlo has been named the 2013 March of Dimes Rhode Island 2013 Citizen of the Year for his and the company’s ongoing support of the March of Dimes mission.

Merlo will be honored for the achievement at a June 18 reception held at the Providence Public Library. The recognition and fundraising event will take place as part of the 75th anniversary year of March of Dimes and the 50th anniversary year of the pharmacy innovation company.

NEW YORK — Macy’s is getting ready for its eighth annual national Shop for a Cause charity shopping event, to be held Saturday, Aug. 24, and the retailer is inviting eligible charities to sign up now. 

The one-day-only shopping event was created to support local charities’ fundraising efforts. Since 2006, the event has helped raise more than $46 million for thousands of charities nationwide. In 2012, more than 7,000 charities signed up to participate. 

SAN DIEGO — Walmart, Sam’s Club and Operation Homefront kicked off their nationwide series Saluting Heroes Together with a community-wide military appreciation event in San Diego on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18. 

The event was the first in a series of tributes the organizations are hosting across the country to honor men and women who have or are currently serving, as well as their families.

SAN LEANDRO, Calif. — The North Face, the outdoor product company specializing in outerwear, footwear and backpacks, is partnering with state parks around the country to encourage participation in outside activities. 

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $6 million in grants to more than 725 schools, nonprofits and literacy organizations to support adult, family and summer literacy programs.