Macy's and March of Dimes Win Silver Halo Award

NEW YORK, June 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Macy's "Shop For A Cause" – the one-day shopping event that helps raise millions for local charities across the country, including more than $3.2 million last year for the March of Dimes work to give babies a healthy start in life – is being honored with a Silver Cause Marketing Halo Award.

Macy's 2011 "Shop For A Cause" was recognized in the "Best Event" category at the 10th Anniversary Cause Marketing Forum Conference on May 31 in Chicago.

"Through our annual 'Shop For A Cause' program, Macy's has been able to raise more than $42 million dollars since 2006 for local and national charities that are meaningful for our customers and associates," said Holly Thomas, Macy's vice president of National Cause Marketing.  "We are proud to offer our customers an easy way to make a positive difference in their communities while enjoying great savings at Macy's."

 "We are proud to partner with Macy's and proud to be a co-recipient of this award," said Chad Royal-Pascoe, vice president of National Strategic Alliances for the March of Dimes.  "Shop For A Cause highlights Macy's commitment to give back to its community, and by helping families save money, it also gives back to all those who are working with us for stronger, healthier babies."

The program was judged on conceptual strength, execution, business results, and cause results. Shop For A Cause was specifically recognized by the Cause Marketing Forum for the strategic collaboration between Macy's and March of Dimes to actively engage both organizations' employees, establish defined success metrics and create an authentic interaction with the consumer.

"Nowadays the volume of cause-related campaigns in the marketplace makes it critical for companies and causes to create high quality programs if they want to engage consumers and generate financial and social returns on investment," said Cause Marketing Forum President David Hessekiel.

Macy's and the March of Dimes are partnering again for the upcoming 2012 "Shop For A Cause" which will be held on Saturday, August 25. Through the program, Macy's customers can purchase a $5 savings pass that offers significant discounts for most purchases at the store or online that day. Macy's donates 100 percent of the $5 cost of the savings pass bought in-store to the March of Dimes.

Shop For A Cause allows the March of Dimes to raise awareness about the serious health consequences faced by babies born too soon and make strong progress in its mission to help moms have full term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives.

Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.

Now in their tenth year, the Cause Marketing Halo Awards are North America's highest honor in the field of cause marketing, awarded by the Cause Marketing Forum, a company dedicated to providing business and nonprofit executives with the practical information and connections they need to succeed.  Descriptions of all the Cause Marketing Halo Award winners can be found online at www.CauseMarketingForum.com/halo2012.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. On November 17, 2012, the March of Dimes and its global partners will observe World Prematurity Day to raise awareness that preterm birth is a serious problem worldwide.  For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.  Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

SOURCE March of Dimes