The Vitamin Shoppe Dives Into the Swim Across America

NORTH BERGEN, N.J., June 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Vitamin Shoppe has become a national sponsor of Swim Across America (SAA), sponsoring all swims nationwide to help raise awareness and money to find a cure for cancer. SAA is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming- related events.

"We are honored to be involved with an organization like Swim Across America," said Tony Truesdale, President of The Vitamin Shoppe. "We've chosen four signature swims to help raise additional funds for the efforts to fight cancer."

The Vitamin Shoppe's signature swimming events with SAA include: The Long Island Sound Swim, The Lake Washington Swim in Seattle, The Baltimore Open Water Swim and the San Francisco Bay Swim. More information about these swims can be found at www.swimacrossamerica.org or at the local Vitamin Shoppe store in those areas.  The first Vitamin Shoppe signature swim event will be held on July 24, in Larchmont, NY.  In September, the three remaining signature events will be held with a special appearance by Olympian Michael Phelps at the Baltimore Open Swim on September 19th.  

All the money raised at each Swim Across America Event stays with a local organization, to help those communities with their efforts to battle cancer.

"Swim Across America is dedicated to collaborating with sponsors that share our values: health, athleticism, community wellness and finding a cure for cancer," said Janel Jorgensen, a 1988 Olympian and National Executive Director of SAA.  "We are proud to welcome Vitamin Shoppe to the Swim Across America Family and to name them a faithful partner in our continuing efforts to support cancer research, prevention and treatment at some of the most prestigious institutions in the US."

Since being founded 24 years ago, Swim Across America has donated more than $30 million dollars toward cancer research and treatment.  Events are different in every location, emphasizing the individual needs of that community.  Some swims are distance relays, while others are regular distance swims of varying lengths ranging from a half-mile to a mile up to as much as six miles.

About Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. (NYSE: VSI)

Vitamin Shoppe is a leading specialty retailer and direct marketer of nutritional products based in North Bergen, New Jersey.  The company sells vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, herbs, sports nutrition formulas, homeopathic remedies, green living products, and health and beauty aids to customers located primarily in the United States.  The company carries national brand products as well as exclusive products under the Vitamin Shoppe, BodyTech, MD Select, and VS Basics proprietary brands.  The Vitamin Shoppe conducts business through more than 450 company-owned retail stores, national mail order catalogs, and websites, www.VitaminShoppe.com and www.EcoShoppe.com and has a social community site at www.VSconnect.com.

SOURCE The Vitamin Shoppe