(Cary, N.C)--- The Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic, one of the nation's premier celebrity golf events, is proud to announce its renewed partnership with Kroger as the official volunteer sponsor for the 2009 Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic.

"It's exciting to work with a company like Kroger, who has generously dedicated themselves year after year to our cause," said Frank McCann, Executive Director for the Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic. "It is nice to have a partnership with a company that is interested in finding ways to improve the Tournament from years previous. Kroger recognizes that cancer does not stop for recessions, and that despite tough times it is important to continue to fund research."

As part of its role as official volunteer food sponsor, Kroger will provide all food for nearly 400 volunteers throughout the tournament weekend. In addition to this commitment, Kroger will be selling golf ball icons in their stores to raise additional money for the Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic. You can purchase a $1 or $5 ball in any of their locations beginning July 26th. The purchase of a $5 ball and any 12 pack Sunkist product automatically enters each Kroger card member into a shopping spree drawing to be held in early September their Apex store.

Since the first Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic in 1993, the event has raised over $15 million for cancer research. To become a sponsor of the 16th Annual Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic or for more event information, call (919) 319-0441 or log onto www.golfclassic.org.

About Kroger

Kroger, one of the nation's largest retail grocery chains, employs more than 326,000 associates who serve customers in 2,475 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states. Kroger operates stores under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, Fry's, King Soopers, Smith's, Dillons, QFC and City Market. In addition, Kroger associates serve customers in 764 convenience stores, 387 fine jewelry stores and 798 supermarket fuel centers the Company operates. Kroger also operates 40 food processing plants in the U.S. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger focuses its charitable efforts on supporting hunger relief, health and wellness initiatives, and local schools and grassroots organizations in the communities it serves. For more information about the Company, please visit www.kroger.com.

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator. Since 1993, The Foundation has raised more than $80 million to fund cancer research grants nationwide. It awards 100 percent of all new direct cash donations and net proceeds of events directly to cancer research and related programs. The Foundation, which has received six consecutive top 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, awards grants through a competitive awards process strictly supervised by a Scientific Review Committee. For more information on The V Foundation or to make a donation, please visit www.jimmyv.org.

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Related Links

1. http://www.golfclassic.org
2. http://www.jimmyv.org
3. http://www.kroger.com