Shop for a cause

DOWNEY - The Rancho Los Amigos Foundation is partnering with Macy's to give community members an exciting new way to support the world-renowned hospital while enjoying a day of spectacular discounts, entertainment and special events as Macy's holds its annual "Shop for a Cause" celebration on Saturday, August 24. This one-day shopping event, which was created expressly to support local charities' fundraising efforts, has helped raise more than $46 million for charities across the nation since 2006.

"We're very excited to work with Macy's to raise funds to support Rancho's patients," said Rancho Los Amigos Foundation President Connie Martinez. "It's an easy and fun way to support a great hospital and at the same time save up to 25% at Macy's. We know this program will make it possible for many of our friends in the community to support Rancho for the very first time, and we also look forward to making many new friends as we reach out to the community over the next few weeks."

Here's how the program works: Macy's has provided the Rancho Los Amigos Foundation with shopping passes to sell for a minimum donation of $5. The Foundation will keep 100 percent of the funds from every shopping pass it sells. The more the Foundation sells, the more money it will raise. Pass holders will receive special discounts on most regular, sale and clearance purchases all day on August 24, although some exclusions apply.

"Macy's annual 'Shop for a Cause' has given our associates and customers an opportunity to give back to those organizations that touch their hearts each and every day," said Martine Reardon, Macy's Chief Marketing Officer. "Giving back is a key component of Macy's culture. We are honored to offer our customers an easy and convenient way to make a positive difference in their communities and in the lives of others, while enjoying great savings at Macy's."

Those who use shopping passes will save up to $25 on $100 in purchases, $50 on $200 in purchases, and up to $125 on $500 in purchases during the "Shop for a Cause" event.

"In addition to receiving discounts of up to 25% on Macy's merchandise, every person who buys a shopping pass will have the chance to enter to win a $500 Macy's Gift Card at Macy's in Stonewood Center," said Diana Montes de Oca, who is coordinating the "Shop for a Cause" project for the Foundation. Diana emphasized that shopping passes will be honored on August 24 at any Macy's store throughout the nation, including Macy's flagship stores on Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.

"We are very excited about this new way to help Rancho while saving a lot of money on back-to-school or other special purchases," Diana said. "We look forward to working with all our friends in the community on this fabulous program."

With the collective support of customers, employees and the Macy's Foundation, Macy's gives more than $70 million each year to charitable organizations to help make a difference in the communities it serves.

For more information on Macy's "Shop for a Cause," visit macys.com/shopforacause. To purchase a shopping pass from the Rancho Los Amigos Foundation, call Diana at (562) 401-7053.

"On August 24th, these two premier organizations will work together to raise funds that will help our patients realize the power of their dreams," Connie said. "Macy's has been in business for more than 150 years, and Rancho has been serving the community for 125 years, so we believe this partnership will continue to grow for many years to come."

********** Published: July 11, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 13