Dallas, Texas, June 13, 2007 – Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) has announced that Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is the 2007 recipient of its prestigious Chairman’s Award. Wal-Mart’s Vice Chairman and Chief Administrative Officer John Menzer accepted the award on behalf of the company’s 1.3 million U.S. associates last night at BGCA’s Southwest Regional Chairman’s Dinner in Dallas.
The Chairman’s Award is given annually to recognize outstanding leadership and commitment to the youth of this country. Wal-Mart, which has a long history of supporting Boys & Girls Clubs through the contribution of associate volunteer hours and monetary donations, was selected for the award for its vision, dedication and enthusiasm in support of local Clubs.
“On behalf of everyone at Boys & Girls Clubs of America, it’s an honor to recognize the people of Wal-Mart for their longstanding record of service to America’s kids,” said Thomas J. Falk, chairman, Southwest Region Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and CEO of Kimberly-Clark. “From participating on local advisory boards to sponsoring teen programs to contributing financially to our Clubs, the generosity and commitment of Wal-Mart and its associates is felt in thousands of communities across the country.”
As part of Wal-Mart’s philosophy to operate globally and give back locally, the heart of the company’s relationship with Boys & Girls Clubs is at the store- and club-level. Associates, who are empowered to support the issues and causes that are most important in their neighborhoods, have donated thousands of hours of their time to support a wide variety of programs at Boys & Girls Clubs in their own communities. In addition, the Wal-Mart & Sam’s Club Foundation gave $2 million to BGCA last year through corporate-level sponsorships as well as partnerships between local stores and clubs.
“Everyday we are working to help people live better by committing to being a good neighbor in their communities,” said Menzer. “By supporting organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Wal-Mart can help make a positive impact on local children and their families in communities everywhere.”
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (
www.bgca.org) comprises a national network of some 4,000 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving more than 4.8 million young people. Known as “The Positive Place for Kids,” the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation.
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT)
Every week, millions of customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations across America or log on to its online store at
www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $270 million to local communities in the United States. To learn more, visit www.walmartfacts.com,
www.walmartstores.com, or
www.walmartfoundation.org.