MADISON, NJ (March 26, 2007) - Wal-Mart today announced a $75,000 partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey (BGCNJ) in support of programs that provide hundreds of teens with opportunities to develop essential “life skills.” Highlights of the partnership include program support for Youth of the Year, the Keystone Club, regional and statewide “in store” promotions, and a comprehensive volunteer partnership.
“Boys & Girls Clubs and Wal-Mart are both concerned with helping people live a better life through programs that provide hope and opportunity. This partnership provides valuable rewards and recognition to hardworking and responsible New Jersey teens, who are committed to improving their community,” remarked Connie Ludwin, BGCNJ, State Director. “Wal-Mart is committed to more than just writing a check and we are thrilled to be working with management throughout the state in support of our community activities.”
The Boys & Girls Club’s Youth of the Year program recognizes Club members aged 13-18, from the state’s 25 Boys and Girls Clubs, who have shown exemplary leadership and service in their community, club, home and school. Each Youth of the Year finalist will receive a $1,500 scholarship from the club and new interview apparel from Wal-Mart’s distinguished designer clothing lines to wear during the competition. The selection process includes a written application, an oral presentation, and an interview with a panel of judges that will include a Wal-Mart executive. The Club member named “Youth of the Year” will receive a $20,000 scholarship from Wal-Mart.
Wal-Mart is also participating as the exclusive sponsor of the New Jersey Keystone Club Awards for Excellence. Keystone Clubs help teen members become more productive citizens and leaders through engaging character and leadership development opportunities and community service. The Keystone Club awards acknowledge excellence and rewards positive peer interactions and good citizenship. Wal-Mart’s donation will also send 50 club members to the 2008 National Keystone Conference in Anaheim, California.
“The Boys and Girls Clubs in New Jersey have been instrumental in neighborhood and family development throughout New Jersey,” said Steven Restivo, Director of Corporate Affairs for Wal-Mart’s northeast division. “Their good efforts mirror our commitment to building a strong community. We are very excited to be a part of this valuable program.”
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAMS CLUB locations in the United States. Internationally, the company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The companys securities are listed on the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT. Online merchandise sales are available at
www.walmart.com.
About Boys & Girls Clubs
Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey are part of a national network of local Clubs and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. There are 25 Club organizations in more than 60 communities who work daily to assist youth from all backgrounds achieve their full potential as productive adults and responsible citizens. More information about Boys & Girls Clubs is available at
www.bgcnj.org.
- # # # -