Stater Bros. Charities Collects $328,000 for the Cure in ‘I Believe Walk’… Over 6,000 Participate

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ — Last Sunday, the Inland Community had one message as they walked the streets of Historic Redlands to fight cancer. With more than 6,000 walkers and raising more than $328,000, Stater Bros. Charities and Inland Women Fighting Cancer’s 2nd Annual Believe and Walk for the Cure was a huge success.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091007/LA89260LOGO)

The sea of goodwill was overwhelming for the Co-Founders of the Walk, Cathy Stockton, Annie Sellas and Nancy Varner. “Not in our wildest dreams, did we ever think we would receive this kind of response,” said Nancy Varner, Co-Founder of the Believe Walk. “We live in the best community … the Heartland … where people truly give back.”

The Walk began in downtown Redlands where a few of the downtown shops were open and ready for business. More than 350 Volunteers lined the street corners to get instructions before heading out onto the route. The San Bernardino Humane Society even donated their time and hosted the “Bark and Believe” booth to check-in all of the dogs participating in the event. Dog owners had a surprise visit from the Legendary Lassie who took pictures with all the furry friends.

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf located in downtown Redlands handed out free coffee and $5 gift cards to the early birds while Cheer Squads from the local area were on the route to raise the spirit level and encourage the walkers as they made the trek to the finish line at the Redlands Bowl.

Just before the Walk started, a moment of silence was offered to remember those who were lost to Cancer ~ it was an overwhelming expression of love.

“This small town event has evolved into a community celebration … a Walk of Love,” said Jack H. Brown, Chairman and CEO of Stater Bros. Markets. “Everyone is affected by cancer at some point in their lives and it’s amazing to see how our community, the Inland Empire, has stepped up to the plate to do something about it.”

At the end of the Walk, participants celebrated at the Believe Bash located at the Redlands Bowl where the local fast food chain, Baker’s Drive-Thru donated Chicken Sandwiches to the first 2,000 walkers. More than 40 vendors were at the Bash to hand out free items to the participants. In addition, volunteers painted faces and entertained the kids in Clown costumes.

“It’s exciting to see how this Walk has integrated the whole community,” said Sarah Cain, Executive Director of Stater Bros. Charities. “All funds raised here, stay here. That’s why this Walk benefits our local Cancer Center at Loma Linda rather than a national organization.”

Last year, Stater Bros. established Stater Bros. Charities, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The purpose of Stater Bros. Charities is to give back to the communities Stater Bros. Markets is privileged to serve. In 2008, Stater Bros. Charities donated $1.4 million to local causes. Its emphasis is to provide funding to programs and services that benefit health and wellbeing for our community, hunger relief, children’s welfare, education for both youth and adults, services for the elderly and care for our Nation’s Veterans.

    Contact:
    Sarah Cain
    Executive Director
    Stater Bros. Charities
    Tel: 909-733-5495
    Fax: 909-379-0443
    Email: sarah.cain@staterbros.com

SOURCE Stater Bros. Charities