News release from Kroger:
Kroger Announces Expanded Plans for Zoo Day 2013
- All 15 stores in region will continue a 21-year tradition with fun events in stores; total support since 1993 exceeds $1,462,571
- Three mayors lead fund-raising competition between incumbent Jelani the giraffe, Bugara the tiger and Fishbone the sea lion
- Zoo Mascot appearances in some stores
(May 6, 2013) – The Kroger Co.’s Central Division has announced plans for “Kroger Zoo Day 2013.” Kroger and Scott’s banner stores in Northeastern Indiana will celebrate “Zoo Day” on Wednesday, May 15th. Mayor Tom Henry of Fort Wayne, Mayor Suzanne Handshoe of Kendallville, Director of the Chamber of Commerce Suzanne Huffman of Bluffton and Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo Director Jim Anderson will join Kroger Central Division and Fort Wayne district leaders to formally kick-off Zoo Day at 10:00 AM at the Kroger Marketplace in Village of Coventry today (May 6th).
Kroger is donating 3% of sales on May 15th to the zoo. This year 15 Kroger and Scott’s banner stores in the region will participate. Since the event began in 1993, cumulative “Zoo Day” support from Scott’s and Kroger banner stores totals $1,462,571. Kroger hopes to break the $1.5 million mark in 2013.
Kroger customers will be given the opportunity to contribute to the zoo in scan increments of $1, although there is no limit to the amount Kroger associates and customers can donate – cashiers will scan multiple times as needed between Sunday, May 5th and Saturday, May 18th. In exchange for a $1 donation, customers may “vote” for Bugara the tiger, Jelani the giraffe or Fishbone the sea lion and hang up a scan icon for that zoo animal at that store. Local schools are encouraged to adopt one of the three animals and support the zoo.
Again this year “Zoo Day” will be a fund-raising competition between three zoo animals – Bugara the tiger, Jelani the giraffe and Fishbone the sea lion. Every store will have a stanchion sign barometer during the two week period to track donations. Store associates and volunteers in the store on May 15th will be encouraged to dress as their favorite zoo animal and decorate their store appropriately.
Another new addition this year is a friendly campaign challenge between three regional mayors. Fort Wayne mayor Tom Henry has been named campaign chair for the incumbent, Jelani the giraffe. Kendallville mayor Suzanne Handshoe has been named campaign chair for Fishbone the sea lion. Bluffton mayor Ted Ellis has been named campaign chair for Bugara the tiger. All three will lead fund-raising on behalf of their candidate and, ultimately, the zoo. All three are convinced that their zoo animal will win.
Kroger will lead an advertising blitz in the month of May worth at least $65,000 on behalf of the zoo. This advertising campaign will be paid for by Kroger and eliminates a substantial cost the zoo might otherwise have to make as they promote the 2013 season. The Kroger-funded ad campaign supporting the zoo showcases the creative talent of Fort Wayne-based Ferguson Advertising and depicts three zoo animals. Billboards began appearing on April 17th and print advertising will begin on May 5th.
In Store Activities on May 15th:
- Food sampling at all 15 stores, with all foods a “favorite” of Bugara the tiger, Jelani the giraffe or Fishbone the sea lion – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
K’Zoo mascot appearances:
- Kroger Kendallville – 2:15 PM
- Kroger at Georgetown Square – 3:45 PM
- Kroger at St. Joe Center – 4:30 PM
- Kroger on East DuPont Road – 5:15 PM
- Scott’s on North Clinton – 6:00 PM
Bill the Lion mascot appearances:
- Kroger at Southgate – 1:45 PM
- Kroger at Waynedale – 2:30 PM
- Kroger at Bluffton – 3:45 PM
- Kroger at Village of Coventry- 5:00 PM
- Scott’s at Chestnut – 5:45 PM
Live radio broadcasts at:
- Scott’s at Chestnut Plaza, WMEE-FM from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Kroger on East DuPont Road, WQHK-FM from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
- Kroger at St. Joe Center, WAJI-FM from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Prize drawings will include at least 80 zoo admission tickets at each of the 17 participating stores (40 adult & 40 child tickets), taking place between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM
- Grand, 1st place and 2nd place prize drawings at each store
Free Zoo Admission:
On Saturday, May 18th, the zoo will admit one child free with a paying adult who brings a Kroger or Scott’s register receipt dated May 15th. The zoo is continuing this tradition as a way to thank Kroger and Scott’s customers for their support of “Zoo Day.”
Kroger Quote:
According to Kroger President Jeff Burt, “The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a wonderful cultural anchor for Northeast Indiana. I can’t think of a more important visitor attraction for our company to support than one that brings so much pleasure and enjoyment to our associates, customers and their families. Kroger is very proud to carry on this long-term partnership for a 21st year. We want to thank our customers and associates in northeast Indiana for their continued support of the zoo. Their efforts are preserving and enhancing one of Fort Wayne’s local treasures.”
Mayor Handshoe Quote:
In defense of her candidate, Mayor Suzanne Handshoe said, Fishbone the sea lion, may be seen as the underdog in this campaign, however, he’s cute, friendly and funny and that goes a long way with voters
Mayor Ellis Quote:
Certain of his candidate’s victory, Mayor Ellis said: “The words ‘Bluffton’ and ‘Tigers’ connote strength and beauty in our community. Exhibiting those qualities, Bugara, the Sumatran tiger, is the perfect candidate and is certain to win.”
Mayor Henry Quote:
With confidence in the incumbent, Mayor Tom Henry said, “I’m looking forward to great success from Jelani the giraffe. Our campaign is gaining positive momentum, and Jelani is going to stand tall above the other competition and be victorious.”
Stores participating:
1. J405 – 4120 North Clinton Street, Fort Wayne
2. J414 – 1555 Harrison Street, Bluffton
3. J418 – 301 West North Street, Kendallville
4. J929 – 218 East Pettit, Fort Wayne
5. J991 – 1005 West 7th Street, Auburn
6. J407 – 929 South 13th Street, Decatur
7. J412 – 1125 West State Boulevard, Fort Wayne
8. J425 – 6310 East State Boulevard (Georgetown Square), Fort Wayne
9. J857 – 821 Lincoln Highway West, New Haven
10. J973 – 6002 St. Joe Center Road, Fort Wayne
11. J410 – 7008 Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne
12. J874 – 621 Countryside Drive, Columbia City
13. J424 – 10230 Chestnut Plaza Drive, Fort Wayne
14. J972 – 301 East DuPont Road, Fort Wayne
15. J990 – 5725 Coventry Lane, Fort Wayne
Zoo Day results will be announced at the zoo on June 16th during Kroger’s district picnic for associates and their families.
About the Kroger Co.
The Kroger Co. has been serving local communities for 130 years. The Kroger Central Division has 136 food stores, 114 pharmacies and 76 fuel centers operating under four banners; Kroger, Scott’s, Owen’s and Pay Less, with locations primarily in Indiana and Illinois, in addition to three stores in Missouri, one in Michigan and one in Ohio. Kroger Central Division is dedicated to supporting every local community it serves, contributing more than $13.3 million in 2012 to local organizations, primarily focusing on hunger relief, K-12 education, health causes and diversity. The Kroger Co. was recently named the most generous company in America in a Chronicle of Philanthropy listing detailed in Forbes Magazine. At Kroger we value: honesty, respect, inclusion, diversity, safety and integrity.
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