Meijer, Artwork for Education Help Local Schools Raise Funds by Turning Student Artwork into Greeting Cards

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Dec. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Midwest retailer Meijer wants to ensure all children have the tools necessary to learn, and is partnering with Artwork for Education to help schools raise classroom dollars by reproducing student artwork into greeting cards.

The greeting cards are on sale in 30 Meijer stores in Michigan, Illinois and Indiana, announced Cynthia Brown, senior buyer for the Meijer Card & Party Department.

"Meijer is honored to partner with Artwork for Education in supporting education in the local community," Brown said. "We believe it is part of our responsibility to contribute to the education of the children and youth in our communities, which is why we actively seek opportunities to support learning programs in local schools."

The Artwork for Education fundraising program encourages local schools to submit student artwork for greeting card reproduction. The cards are sold online at www.artworkforeducation.com, and are available for purchase at 30 Meijer stores in the Midwest.

For each card sold, Meijer and Artwork for Education will donate 50 cents to participating schools in the Meijer footprint, said Charles Paul, Artwork for Education chief executive officer.

"Schools require extra sources of funds, and many cannot afford even the most basic needs. Our relationship with Meijer and Meijer shoppers will provide a source of those funds we hope will extend to every school in their service areas," Paul said. "It's completely free for any school, and we welcome the opportunity to showcase the fantastic art created by students throughout the Meijer region."

Monroe Catholic Schools in Michigan raised more than $3,000, said Colleen Roecker, a parent volunteer who helps organize the fundraiser.

"It's a fundraiser that kids can feel good about because it's their original artwork on a card," said Roecker, whose two daughters each created a card. "That's something you'll have forever."

In Ohio, Weaver Child Development Center at Malone University raised $500 for enrichment drama and art activities, said Kari Willoughby, a parent volunteer, who noted the school has only 100 students so they were unsure what to expect from the fundraiser.

"The sales we had were phenomenal," said Willoughby, whose daughter, Anna Grace, participated in the fundraiser. "What a wonderful opportunity for our students. To not only see their piece of artwork in a catalog, but to actually hold the cards that displayed their work … they were beyond excited."

The cards, which are blank inside, feature artwork and messages in a variety of categories, including birthdays, holidays and get well. The back of the card lists the name and age of the student, and the school that is benefiting from the fundraiser.  

Meijer also supports other organizations and programs throughout the Midwest to promote education, such as Boxtops for Education, Labels for Education and Blessings in a Backpack, among various donations to address individual school needs. Meijer donates more than 6 percent of its net profits to charity every year.

For more information on Artwork for Education, please visit www.artworkforeducation.com.

About Worldwise Education: Worldwise Education, Inc. is best known for Artwork for Education®, its retail- and school-based brand of printed art products that showcase student creativity. Every purchase of an Artwork for Education products benefits the student's school and promotes the value of art in the classroom. Since launching in 2006, Worldwise Education, Inc. has brought art to over 500 schools, positively impacted 150,000 elementary school students, generated over 362,000 pieces of artwork and raised more than $1 million for schools.

About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the "one-stop shopping" concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.

SOURCE Meijer