Season’s Greetings to all and welcome to the Holiday Season! I hope this finds everyone enjoying all that the season has to offer and you all have taken a little time to spend quality moments with loved ones, friends and family and enjoy everything that makes this time of year special.
Well, the fourth installment of the RDD Associates and Village Super Markets holiday celebration and philanthropic fundraiser was held recently at Bin 37 in Cedar Knolls, NJ. Bin 37 is attached to Village’s ShopRite of Greater Morristown store and it was a pleasure to be back inside of the rustic and charming establishment. Bin 37 had been closed to the public during the health crisis, and had been utilized as a medical facility which helped serve the community as a vaccination center during the pandemic. The 37 in Bin 37 pays homage to the Village family of businesses, as it was in 1937 that Nick and Perry Sumas opened the first Village Super Market. The atmosphere was festive and Amanda Fischer of Village Super Market was happy to share the news with the crowd that the evening’s event raised $30,000 for the Sumas Family Foundation and over the four years has totaled over $150,000 in donations. Perry Blatt of Village Super Markets added that the funds will enhance the foundation’s efforts to assist numerous local charities including Autism Speaks, NJ Sharing Network, Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation, The Greek Church and The Valerie Fund. Furthermore, he stated, “We are proud of the fact that Village Super Market has been giving back to the community for over 80 years. Our founders, Nick and Perry, always taught us the important role our supermarkets play for a healthy community. We look forward to continuing that legacy for many years to come.” Well done by all at RDD Associates and Village Super Markets!
The National Supermarket Association (NSA) traveled to the Nutmeg State for the second straight year for their 33rd anniversary gala. Heading up I-95 north, Foxwoods Casino & Resort hosted the big group and the 900 attendees who attended the soiree. The gala recognized Anthony Pena as NSA Member of the Year and Cibao Meat Products as the NSA Company of the Year. NSA president Samuel Collado, VP Nallely De Jesus, past presidents Nelson Eusebio and William Rodriguez and treasurer Pedro Goico all welcomed the crowd to the event and announced that one of the many activities that the group was starting was a coalition with the Bodega Association to advocate on behalf of the food industry. This coalition was also supported by Key Food CEO Dean Janeway who added, “Shoplifting is the single biggest threat to our members. That is why we are morally and financially responsible to support our independent supermarket owners.” Rafael Toro, director of public relations at Goya Foods, also spoke and announced that the highly successful Goya Cares program (which fights to end child and human trafficking) has partnered with the NSA to create NSA Cares. The launch of the program at the gala raised more than $30,000 in a live auction/donation. The funds will be used to protect children, educate families and rehabilitate victims in the fight against human and child trafficking. It was a magnificent evening and when we learn where next year’s gala will take place we will pass it along.
And in the spirit of the season, Krasdale Foods and the New York Yankees teamed up once again for the 28th annual Yankees Holiday Food Drive. This great holiday tradition rewards any fan donating at least 30 pounds of non-perishable food with two complimentary tickets to a Yankees game in the 2023 season. Krasdale Foods again stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park! A donation of an incredible 100,000 pounds of food to the cause is sure to make the many local food pantries and soup kitchens very happy as they help in the battle to fight hunger and food inefficiencies. Great job by all involved!!
Well, that will wrap it up for this month from me. My wish for you all is health, happiness, good fortune and all the hope and joy that the season brings. My sincere wishes and cheers for a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and positive wishes and hopes for a terrific New Year!!
Thank you all for your readership, your business, friendship, support and for making this industry a great one. All the best for the New Year and may 2023 bring you all the best in possibilities, happiness and prosperity. As always you can reach me at 201.250.2217 or [email protected].