Sam's awards healthy living with nonprofit support

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club announced that the Y received the most votes in its Giving Made Simple campaign for health-focused nonprofits.

The Y is one of four nonprofits who are benefiting from a Sam's Club total donation of $1.2 million.Each of the nonprofits participating in Giving Made Simple delivers programs that promote nutrition, active lifestyles and health education for all ages, the company reported.

"Chronic disease including diabetes, heart disease and obesity, are some of the most costly and deadly, but fortunately, they are also among the most preventable," said Jill Turner-Mitchael, SVP Sam's Club health and wellness. "We chose to focus Giving Made Simple on health and wellness and the prevention of chronic disease this time because we believe we can be part of the solution with these nonprofits working to create awareness and effect change."

The Giving Made Simple campaign allowed Sam's Club members and associates to direct a portion of the company's donations to each nonprofit. Members and associates voted in clubs one weekend and online every day through Aug. 1 to help determine the amount each group received. In addition, special Twitter voting days opened the campaign to the public.

The organizations and the donations they will receive are:

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  The Y, $328,335. The Y will mobilize communities to ensure that healthy food options, safe places for physical activity, and effective chronic disease prevention programs are accessible to all.

  
  


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  Sesame Street, $300,290. Sesame Street will help establish healthy habits, including oral preventive care practices, in parents and at-risk children.

  
  


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  Alliance for a Healthier Generation, $287,890. The Alliance will use the funds to help schools across the country become healthier places where physical activity and healthy eating options are available before, during and after school.

  
  


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  OASIS, $284,730. OASIS will engage people nationwide who are age 50+ in programs, classes and training that promote active lifestyles to keep them healthy and well.