Kretschmar® Deli Meats, Kirby Foods, Grant Peoria, IL Boy's Make-A-Wish®

LISLE, Ill., May 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Kretschmar® Premium Deli Meats, Make-A-Wish® Illinois and Kirby Foods worked together to help make a 12-year-old boy's wish come true. Elias lives in Peoria with his parents and siblings.  Elias is described as a pretty easy-going kid with a good sense of humor.  Like many boys his age, Elias enjoys playing video games and some of his favorite foods include ham and turkey.  Unlike most boys his age, Elias was born with life-threatening medical conditions that include a congenital heart defect and a chromosomal defect called DiGeorge Syndrome that impacts the development of several body systems.   When referred to Make-A-Wish, Elias asked for a video gaming system. The three organizations granted Elias' wish with a new Nintendo Wii, television, sound system and a load of video games at his home Saturday. Kretschmar is helping grant three wishes, including Elias', this year as part of its "Legendary Wishes" campaign.

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Kretschmar donated over $100,000 to Make-A-Wish in 2012 and is helping grant three wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses this year. In Illinois, Kretschmar partnered with Kirby Foods to aid in supporting Elias' wish. Kirby Foods raised additional funds for Make-A-Wish with sales of paper stars that were sold at its stores' registers for $1, with proceeds going to Make-A-Wish. The retailer also named a sandwich the Elias Hero Sub on its deli menu in honor of Elias with proceeds also benefitting Make-A-Wish. Kirby Foods presented several video game-related wish enhancements to Elias as part of its support.  

"It has been amazing to see the impact of our Legendary Wishes campaign," said Chuck Gitkin, VP, Marketing, Innovation and R&D, John Morrell Food Group. "It's extremely fulfilling to know that we're able to make a difference in the lives of some really great kids and their families. That's the most important thing. We're very honored to work with Make-A-Wish and Kirby's to help fulfill these wishes and appreciate all of their support."

Elias' house was filled with many friends and family members on hand to see his big surprise. Kirby Foods provided sandwiches and refreshments for everyone. The retailer also gave Elias an oversized card full of well wishes that were collected over the month of April from the employees and customers at its stores.

"Kretschmar's generous and enthusiastic support truly allows Make-A-Wish to fulfill its mission of bringing hope, strength and joy to children at a time they need it most," said Stephanie Springs, Chief Executive Officer of Make-A-Wish Illinois.

Kretschmar is a part of the John Morrell Food Group, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NYSE: SFD). For more information about Kretschmar Deli please visit www.kretschmardeli.com. 

About Kretschmar       Kretschmar Premium Deli Meats & Cheeses has meant quality since 1883.  Our hams are made with a unique hardwood smoking process.  Kretschmar poultry and beef are hand-trimmed using the finest cuts.  Our full line of Off-The-Bone deli meats are delicately sliced from the leanest, most tender cuts. And our premium Wisconsin cheeses repeatedly win in competitions world-wide. Try the Legendary Taste of Kretschmar today.    For great recipes and more, like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kretschmardeli) or our website at www.kretschmardeli.com.

About Make-A-Wish Illinois     Make-A-Wish^® Illinois grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich their lives with hope, strength and joy. Since being founded locally in 1985, the chapter has granted more than 11,000 wishes and continues its mission to share the power of a wish^® with special children across the state with help from dedicated volunteers and generous community members. This year Make-A-Wish plans to grant more than 700 wishes in Illinois.

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 $13 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.

About Kirby Foods     Currently, Kirby Foods consists of nineteen stores, 14 IGA's and 5 Save A Lots. The success of Kirby Foods is a result of high standards of customer service, ethics, support for our communities, and a great group of people who operate the stores and the company.

SOURCE Kretschmar