Eckrich and Dunkin' Donuts Honor 'Top Dog' Dad

LISLE, Ill., July 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Father's Day, Dunkin' Donuts Chicago asked its Facebook fans to explain why their dad is "Top Dog."  Hundreds of entries poured in.  In the end, Allison Snyder's heart-warming essay about her father won the judges over and Stan Snyder of Peoria, Ill. was declared the "Top Dog."  As the winner, Stan received a gas grill from Eckrich along with a gift basket of Eckrich branded products and a Dunkin' Donuts gift card.

Allison's winning essay described her father's perpetual dedication and compassion towards his family.

"As a navy vet, he is hard working and taught his family about values and dedication," Allison explained in her essay.  "Twenty-five years ago my mom got diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and has been battling ever since.  Unlike so many others in his position, my dad has stayed by her side and supported her every decision.  He sat by while she underwent two brain surgeries and several other procedures.

"He was her support system when she went on a 20 year long mission to raise funds for and awareness of the disease.  Now retired to stay home as a caregiver, he runs on coffee and the occasional steak dinner.  This (gas grill) would be the perfect surprise for such an unsung hero."

Stan was presented his gas grill at the Dunkin' Donuts in Lisle, Ill. Dunkin' Donuts mascot Iced Cuppy was on hand to help present Stan his prize. Customers in attendance for the ceremony received free Eckrich branded coffee mugs, iced coffee samples, and coupons for a free Dunkin' Dog, which feature delicious Eckrich Cheddar Smoked Sausage, wrapped in soft, sweet dough.

"This contest was very special and we're proud to honor Stan for being such a great dad," said Beth Sharkey, marketing manager, John Morrell Food Group. "His daughter's essay was such a nice tribute to all of the hard work and sacrifice that's he's shown throughout his life. It's a great feeling to reward someone who has done so much for his family and loved ones. We hope he enjoys this grill as a small token of our appreciation."

The second and third-place winners were each awarded gift baskets of Eckrich branded products and Dunkin' Donuts gift cards.  In addition, all entrants were provided coupons for free Dunkin' Dogs as a token of appreciation from Eckrich and Dunkin' Donuts for the overwhelming response to the Top Dog promotion.

About John Morrell Food Group
With over a century and a half of experience, John Morrell Food Group brands have become respected and well known for providing premium-quality meat products to families across the United States. With products ranging from lunchmeat and franks to smoked sausage, bacon and pepperoni, the John Morrell Food Group is an important part of consumers' mealtimes. The John Morrell Food Group offers several national and regional brands including Armour®, Eckrich®, John Morrell®, Curly's®, Patrick Cudahy®, Carando®, Healthy Ones®, Margherita®, Kretschmar® and LunchMakers®.

About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $14 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Farmland®, Armour®, Cook's®, Gwaltney®, John Morrell®, Kretschmar®, Curly's®, Carando®, Margherita®, and Healthy Ones®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental, and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and www.smithfieldcommitments.com.

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SOURCE John Morrell Food Group Foodservice