Cause Marketing/ Community Programs

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Walmart announced that, through the Walmart Foundation, it has donated $319 million in cash and $480 million in in-kind contributions around the globe during the fiscal year ending Jan. 31. According to Walmart, the company's U.S. giving grew by 64%, largely due to donations of produce, meats, poultry and other nutritious food to local food banks from Walmart stores, Sam's Club locations and distribution centers.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — The philanthropic arm of Sam's Club has committed funds to organizations that promote healthy living.

The Sam's Club Giving Program said it will award more than $2.8 million to prevention and awareness programs — which include YMCA of the USA, Sesame Workshop, Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the OASIS Institute — that emphasize positive lifestyle changes and help reduce such conditions as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and more.

Beachwood, Ohio -- Developers Diversified Realty Corp. said that it earned one MAXI Gold and four MAXI Silver awards for shopping center marketing and management programs at the International Council of Shopping Centers' Fusion Conference in Hollywood, Calif.

In the Sales Promotions and Events category, a MAXI Gold was awarded to the 25 on the 25th event at Deer Park Town Center in Chicago. The center developed a wine-tasting promotion to showcase a local merchant and encourage shoppers to explore the center.

Target plans to give away one million reusable shopping bags on Sunday, April 17 in line with the release of its weekly ad featuring an assortment of environmentally-friendly products in conjunction with Earth Day on April 22.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Sears announced that it has launched the Sears Blue Tool Crew "Do It Together" program to honor unsung heroes who use their tools and talents for the greater good of the community. According to Sears DIT is the national expansion of the "Unsung Heroes: Dads Making a Difference" Father's Day initiative that recognized dads across the country in 2010.  

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Friday announced the start of its companywide fundraising campaign for Easter Seals, Special Olympics, Rebuilding Together and a range of job training programs that help people with disabilities live fuller lives.

AUSTIN, Texas and WASHINGTON -- Whole Foods Market announced that it is teaming up with AFI-Discovery Channel Silverdocs Festival, the nation's leading documentary festival, to award $50,000 in grant money to filmmakers working in the green film genre.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Target announced that as part of its Earth Month celebration, it is offering customers the chance to win a "Refresh Your Nest" home makeover worth up to $50,000 with the help of LEED accredited designer Sabrina Soto, as well as hundreds of other sustainable prizes. Guests can log on to Target.com/Eco to enter the sweepstakes.

The Target.com/Eco site also features sustainable products for purchase, sustainable decorating tips from Soto and coupons for use at Target stores.