$12K raised by Fruth Pharmacy for March of Dimes

Drug Store News, August 30, 1999

POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. -- More than 300 Fruth Pharmacy associates, family members and friends hit the pavement for the 3-mile March of Dimes Tri-County Walk America event held here, raising more than $12,000 to support the organization's efforts at preventing birth defects and infant mortality.

It's the chain's most rigorous community service effort, said Tern Thomas, director of advertising and community affairs. Thomas was a team co-captain with Jackie Hutchinson, Fruth's payroll coordinator. Fruth's was the largest of 70 teams participating in the event, which raised a total of $73,000 through the steps of about 1,200 walkers.

In addition, Thomas explained, store associates planned their own fund-raising activities. These included selling paper shoes supplied by the March of Dimes for $1 a piece and posting them in the store, bake sales, basketball tournaments, Beanie Baby raffles and candy bar sales.

The chain's Middleport, W.Va., and Welston, Ohio, stores led the chain in funds raised, accumulating $1,205 and $1,200 respectively. Representatives fromthose stores received appreciation trophies at the event.