The Saturday Special: Dallas honors 2 retailers for their good deeds

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Dallas Market Center announced the two winners for TheNext Big Give, a national search for specialty retailers that give back in their communities:
The winners were selected from more than 50 retailers thatare involved in a variety of ways through volunteering, raising funds or donating goods.

“Congratulations to The Next Big Give winners,” said Bill Winsor, president and CEO, DallasMarket Center. “Both winners are great examples of how retailers can give back in big and smallways. Their work is truly inspiring.”

A. Dodson’s Owner Alison Dodson Anderson learned the spirit of giving directly from herparents. During her childhood, Alison’s father, a local dentist in her hometown, often exchangedhis services with patients who could only afford to pay him with a livestock chicken or free yardwork. Spurred by the pride and appreciation for her father’s generosity, Alison began givingback through her store immediately following its opening seven years ago. A. Dodson’s supportsnumerous causes including blood drives, toy and school supply drives, even donating $12,000to Taylor Bend YMCA to assist in building a new facility.

Even after giving back in a variety of ways, Alison wanted a means to focus her store’s givingefforts. Her search led to the development of The A. Dodson’s Round Up, a program allowingcustomers to round up the cost of each purchase to the nearest dollar and have the extra centsdonated to charity. A. Dodson’s publishes a poll on its Facebook page in order for customers tochoose the cause the Round Up funds will be donated to at the end of each month. Charitiescan easily apply by simply emailing their name, contact information, and confirmation of their501c3 status to roundup@adodsons.com. In 2011, A. Dodson’s gave more than $2,500 tovarious charity organizations. For more information on A. Dodson’s visit www.adodsons.com 

“This January we were able to donate hundreds of dollars to the Ovarian Cancer ResearchFund through The A. Dodson’s Round Up,” said Kim Glover, director of marketing, A. Dodson’s.“Through the program we are able to donate to charities near and dear to our hearts as well asexpose our customers to organizations that they in turn volunteer for. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

Originally operating under the name “Brookshire Brothers,” Brookshire’s Food & Pharmacy wasfounded in 1928 by Wood T. Brookshire in Tyler, Texas. Since its inception, Brookshire’s hasgrown to 150 stores spanning three states—Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Wood founded thecompany with a foremost concern for the well-being of others, which continues to influence thecompany today.Brookshire’s has been giving back to the communities in which it operates since its founding.

In2008, the Community Connections program was founded to enable Brookshire’s employees toassist with the causes important to each store’s local community. Employees form teams bystore or non-retail department and gather to volunteer an average of four times per year with thecause of their choice. Last year, Brookshire’s donated more than 28,000 documented volunteerhours and more than $1.5 million to various charitable causes.

One notable effort was its WorldWar II Heroes Flight in May 2011, in which Brookshire’s sent 33 World War II veterans toWashington, District of Columbia, all expenses paid, where they visited several war memorialsand the U.S. Capitol building. For more information on Brookshire’s visit www.brookshires.com.

“Giving back is an important part of our company culture and something we expect to continue,”said Sam Anderson, community involvement manager, Brookshire’s Food & Pharmacy. “Webelieve it’s important to support the communities that support us. Being actively involved in theschools and other aspects of the community helps us to stay in touch with our customers and bebetter prepared to serve their wants and needs. But, most importantly, helping others is the rightthing to do.”

After receiving more than 50 applications, the entries were narrowed down to 10 finalists andthen two winners by a panel of industry experts and Dallas Market Center representatives. Thewinners will receive a complimentary trip to the March 22-25, 2012 Market in Dallas includinground-trip airfare and three nights hotel stay.

The Next Big Give winners were recognized on March 22 duringThe Inspired Event, a cocktail party benefiting charitable causes.For additional information on the contest visit www.dallasmarketcenter.com/contests/give oremail thenextbiggive@mcmcmail.com.