Cause Marketing/ Community Programs

Camp Hill, Pa. -- The Rite Aid Foundation announced Wednesday that it was donating $50,000 to the American Red Cross -- Japan earthquake fund.

“Our hearts go out to the victims, families and communities affected by this devastating tragedy,” Rite Aid Foundation president Mary Sammons said. “We are proud to partner with the American Red Cross and assist them in their mission of helping the people of Japan in their time of need.”

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart announced that it is committing $5 million in cash and in-kind donations for emergency relief efforts in response to Japan's recent earthquake and resulting tsunami. Also, Walmart operations around the world are planning or have implemented fundraising drives among associates and customers to provide additional relief funds for the victims.

PITTSBURGH -- National Runner's Month is back this May at Dick's Sporting Goods. As part of its celebration of runners, the company announced that it will be a major sponsor at ten premiere running events in metro cities across the country. In addition, the month-long running celebration will be surrounded by a comprehensive marketing program that includes the announcement of three widely respected running ambassadors, a major charity initiative, social and digital media elements along with running specials and promotions throughout May.

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. said Wednesday it has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2011.

The Ethisphere Institute, an international business ethics organization, honored Target for implementing upright business practices and initiatives that are instrumental to the company’s success, benefit the community, and raise the bar for ethical standards within the industry.

This is the fifth consecutive year that Target has received the award.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust has announced the donation of $100,000 to the American Red Cross in support of relief efforts under way in Japan following last week's tragic earthquake and tsunami, with a potential total donation of up to $300,000 through the matching of CVS Caremark employee donations.

From win-win to lose-lose. Do enough deals with different celebrities and sooner or later one of them is bound to blow up. That’s what happened to Target last week when entertainer/singer/gay rights advocate Lady Gaga had a change of heart regarding a prior commitment with Target.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- Whirlpool announced that it was awarded  the 2011 Energy Star Sustained Excellence award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The award recognizes the company's leadership in offering consumers energy and water efficiency through its leading home appliance brands, Whirlpool reported. According to the company, Whirlpool was the only appliance manufacturer to receive the Sustained Excellence award, the highest possible Energy Star award. This is the company's 12th top Energy Star award and sixth consecutive Sustained Excellence win.

PLANO, Texas -- JCPenney is giving underprivileged teens the chance to have their very own prom dress, while at the same time encouraging those more fortunate to give to a worthy cause. The company announced that from March 13 through April 2, customers can donate their gently worn prom dresses at one of more than 1,100 JCPenney stores nationwide.