Arizona grocery chain increases contribution to TGen by 37
percent over 2008
PHOENIX, Ariz. - March 4, 2009 - Despite a down economy, Safeway
Inc. presented a $685,236 check this week for breast cancer
research at the Translational Genomics Research Institute
(TGen).
Dan Valenzuela, President of Safeway's Phoenix Division, which
includes 116 stores throughout Arizona, thanked the grocery chain's
customers and employees for stepping up for scientific
research.
Safeway presents a check for $685,236 to TGen for breast cancer
research
From left are: Dr. Heather Cunliffe, a TGen breast cancer
researcher; Dan Valenzuela, President of Safeway Inc.'s 116 Arizona
stores; Cathy Kloos, Safeway's Phoenix Division Public Affairs
Director; Erin Massey, TGen Foundation Director of Development; and
Michael Bassoff, President of the TGen Foundation.
"We're very proud to donate to such an organization as TGen. I
think everybody recognizes that, with the economy the way it is, it
gets tougher to ask people for donations," Valenzuela told about 50
TGen employees gathered Tuesday for the announcement. "Because of
your research, and the things that you do, we're honored to present
you with a check."
Safeway's donation represents a 37 percent increase from the
$500,000 the company gave TGen last year. The contributions both
years were based on month-long campaigns at Arizona's Safeway
stores in October 2007 and October 2008.
"You can't give enough credit to our customers and employees,"
Valenzuela said, adding that a major reason Safeway chose to
support Phoenix-based TGen was that the research dollars would stay
in Arizona.
"The benefit (of TGen's research) is far-reaching. The big thing
is, where do the funds go? It (TGen) is local," Valenzuela
said.
Dr. Jeffrey Trent, TGen's President and Scientific Director, said
the significant and timely contribution by Safeway is an example of
the generosity repeatedly shown by local businesses and the people
of Arizona.
"This donation will be put to immediate use to help develop
treatments and, eventually, find a cure for breast cancer, a major
priority for us at TGen and a goal that would benefit everyone,"
Dr. Trent said.
Michael Bassoff, President of the TGen Foundation, the fundraising
arm of the non-profit biomedical research institute, described
Safeway's contribution as a special tribute to TGen researchers as
they work to conquer cancer and other debilitating diseases.
"Contributors are looking hard at their charitable opportunities
and are looking for the organizations that are run efficiently and
produce results," Bassoff said. "But today's donation by Safeway is
a tribute to you, the work you do in the laboratories, and the many
Arizonans who came forward to support TGen," Bassoff told the
assembled TGen employees.
Dr. Heather Cunliffe, a TGen breast cancer researcher, said
Safeway's donation would help accelerate work towards new
treatments for breast cancer patients.
Bassoff also credited the "extra gumption" and hard work of
Safeway employees who were willing to ask customers if they would
contribute to breast cancer research.
# # #
About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a
non-profit organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking
research with life changing results. Research at TGen is focused on
helping patients with diseases such as cancer, neurological
disorders and diabetes. TGen is on the cutting edge of
translational research where investigators are able to unravel the
genetic components of common and complex diseases. Working with
collaborators in the scientific and medical communities, TGen
believes it can make a substantial contribution to the efficiency
and effectiveness of the translational process. For more
information, visit: www.tgen.org.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]