PHOENIX, Ariz. — May 17, 2012 — Saks Fifth Avenue raised more than $1.1 million in charitable contributions nationwide through its month-long February Charity Program, including $17,000 for biomedical research at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen).
TGen was one of 196 organizations nationwide to benefit from the drive, in which Saks gave 5 percent of all registered purchases made with a registered Saks Fifth Avenue credit card back to charity.
"Saks Fifth Avenue is thrilled with the results from our first month-long nationwide charitable program," said Steve Sadove, Chairman and CEO, Saks Incorporated. "Giving back locally in a massive way that touches organizations and customers across the country is exciting and something we aim to continue moving forward."
During the charity program, customers were able to select their favorite local charity from Saks Fifth Avenue's roster of local organizations. Registration was one simple step at point of sale that linked the customer account with their chosen charity.
Saks Fifth Avenue in Phoenix, 2446 E. Camelback Road, raised more than $80,000 for local charities. The Phoenix store at Biltmore Fashion Park was one of the top three stores in the nation, enabling them to give 10 percent of their registered purchases to local charities. In addition to TGen, Saks in Phoenix partnered with: Fresh Start Women's Foundation; Valle del Sol; the ASU Foundation; and the American Heart Association.
With the success of the February Charity Program, Saks Fifth Avenue is bringing its charitable initiatives under one banner for the first time this spring. A new Saks Gives logo will recognize Saks Fifth Avenue's dedication to charity. Saks Gives will brand the charitable service through philanthropic giving and active outreach both locally and nationally.
About Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world's preeminent specialty retailers, is renowned for its superlative American and international designer collections, its expertly edited assortment of handbags, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics and gifts, and the first-rate fashion expertise and exemplary client service of its Associates. Today, Saks operates 45 full-line stores in 21 states, 2 licensed stores in the Middle East and 2 licensed stores in Mexico City, 61 Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH stores and saks.com, the company's online store. Saks Fifth Avenue is proud to be named a J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Service Champion and is only one of 50 U.S. companies so named.
Press Contact:
Eleanor Banco
Saks Fifth Avenue
212-451-3954
eleanor_banco@s5a.com
About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix, Arizona-based 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
syozwiak@tgen.org