BI-LO CHARITIES SIPPIN’ SAFARI RAISES MORE THAN $46,000 FOR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AT GREENVILLE ZOO
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Elizabeth J. Baker
Erwin-Penland
864-672-3875
elizabeth.baker@erwinpenland.com
BI-LO CHARITIES SIPPIN’ SAFARI RAISES MORE THAN $46,000 FOR
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AT GREENVILLE ZOO
GREENVILLE, S.C. (Sept. 16, 2010) – On Friday, Sept. 10, more than 900 people gathered at the Greenville Zoo for BI-LO Charities’ fifth annual Sippin’ Safari event, a record-breaking crowd that also led to a record-breaking fundraising total of more than $46,000 to benefit the zoo’s educational programs.
“BI-LO Charities is delighted that we had such overwhelming response to Sippin’ Safari again this year. Positive feedback from event goers increases our attendance every year,” said BI-LO Charities Executive Director Carol Browning. “This is a great event for the Zoo’s education program, and it is also a great opportunity for BI-LO to showcase the top-notch beer and wine we carry as well feature the fresh products in BI-LO’s Deli, Bakery, Produce and Seafood departments. One of the big highlights of the event this year was the fresh grilled salmon. Based on great feedback from attendees, we’re already planning next year’s Sippin’ Safari.”
Greenville Zoo educational programs supported by Sippin’ Safari will include on-site educational facilities, broadcasting instructive programs to classrooms across the area and the Zoo Mobile, which allows zoo staff to take educational programs out into the community.
“Sippin’ Safari is one of the Greenville Zoo’s largest fundraisers, and we are thrilled about the success of this year’s event,” said Greenville Zoo Director Jeff Bullock. “The benefit of the educational experiences funded by the dollars raised at this event is immeasurable, providing children throughout the greater Greenville area an opportunity to have a great time while discovering new things about animals and their habitats.”
Guests at this year’s Sippin’ Safari were able to enjoy wines from more than 50 vineyards, a variety of beers and all kinds of delicious treats from BI-LO, including meats, cheeses and cookies from the Deli and Bakery as well as samples of BI-LO’s new Chef’s Catch fresh salmon. In addition to purchasing tickets to the event, those who attended Sippin’ Safari helped raise funds by participating in a silent auction that featured unique items like an opportunity to paint with the Greenville Zoo’s Joy the elephant and a chance to feed the giraffes Autumn and Walter, who were brought to the zoo using funds raised by Sippin’ Safari.
To learn more about Sippin’ Safari or view photos from the event, visit www.BI-LOCharities.org. To find out more about the Greenville Zoo and its education programs, visit www.GreenvilleZoo.com.
About BI-LO Charities Inc.
Formed in 1998, BI-LO Charities Inc. manages BI-LO’s extensive charitable giving programs, including the annual BI-LO Charity Classic golf tournament, which celebrated its 27th anniversary in June 2010. Since its inception in 1984, the BI-LO Charity Classic has raised more than $53 million to provide funding for non-profit organizations in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee that focus on three key initiatives: children’s issues, education and hunger relief. Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., BI-LO operates 207 supermarkets and employs approximately 15,100 people.
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