Kroger, John Andretti and Race for Riley Set New Record
- Race for Riley began in 1997 to support Riley Hospital for Children
- Raised almost $4,000 in first year
- Through 2018, donations to all Kroger Race for Riley events exceed $4,400,000
INDIANAPOLIS, IN. – The Kroger Co. and racing star John Andretti today celebrated a new record in their annual fundraiser for Riley Hospital for Children. The 2018 “Race for Riley Presented by Pepsi” raised $377,141.28 to support the life-saving work done at Riley Hospital. The total represents generous donations provided by Kroger customers and store associates. The previous record for the event, set in 2017, was $350,000.
“The donations represent the tremendous respect Hoosiers have for Riley Hospital and Kroger is extremely proud of our partnership with John Andretti and Riley,” said Pam Matthews, president of Kroger Central Division and a Riley Children’s Foundation board member. “People across the state and around the country know they are never more than a few hours away from innovative attention provided by Riley specialists,” Matthews said.
Andretti and Kroger presented the check to Riley at the store that surpassed all other Indiana Kroger stores in this year’s campaign. The associates and customers of the Kroger at 7101 E. 10th Street raised $20,421.
John Andretti said, “With the great support of the people at Kroger – the customers and the store associates – the Race for Riley gets bigger every year. And every dollar does make a difference. Think about it. Riley Hospital for Children treats more than 300,000 kids each year. So, it is critical that we raise more and more money each year.”
“We are grateful for the long-standing support and generosity of the Kroger family and Pepsi. They understand the vital role Riley Hospital for Children plays in securing a healthy future for our patients,” said Jim Austin, Chief Marketing and Corporate Partnerships Officer, Riley Children’s Foundation. “We are always overwhelmed by the time and energy devoted to children through the annual Kroger Race for Riley Presented by Pepsi.”
Planning is already underway for the 2019 Race for Riley Presented by Pepsi.