Big Lots Announces Lots2Give Video Contest Winners
July 28, 2009
More than 300,000 votes cast to determine 26 schools to share $80,000 in cash prizes 103 schools to share funds from in-store donation program
COLUMBUS, OH – July 28, 2009 – Twenty-six schools across the United States will have some extra cash for class this year as Big Lots (NYSE:BIG) announced today the winners of the 2009 Lots2Give video contest. Forty-six schools competed for a share of $80,000 in cash prizes, with John E. Ewing Middle School in Gaffney, SC winning the $10,000 grand prize.
Big Lots asked participating schools to submit a short video and brief essay explaining why their school is in need of financial support. From June 11 through July 12, the public voted for their favorite video at www.lots2give.com. More than 300,000 votes were cast to determine the 26 winners, which include one $10,000 grand prize, three $5,000 first prizes, and twenty-two $2,500 second prizes.
In addition to the video contest, Big Lots established an in-store donation program to help the 103 schools participating in the Lots2Give program. From May 2 through July 12, Big Lots customers were invited to make $1 or $5 donations at participating stores. This initiative raised over $74,000 to help participating schools.
Big Lots is committed to programs that support education, and with Lots2Give, we had the opportunity to help bridge the funding gap many schools face, said Steve Fishman, Chairman and CEO, Big Lots. We invited our customers to support an important cause, and they have been especially generous knowing that 100 percent of the funds raised through the in-store donation program go directly to participating schools.
Fishman and Senior Vice President of Marketing Rob Claxton will present John E. Ewing Middle School with the $10,000 grand prize on August 5 at the Gaffney, SC Big Lots store. The following schools will each be awarded $5,000 in separate ceremonies: Mary H. Wright Elementary School, of Spartanburg, SC; Emory Elementary School, of San Diego, CA; and David Crockett Elementary School, of Phoenix, AZ. Additionally, 22 schools will each receive $2,500 as second place prize winners. These schools will also be the recipients of their share of the in-store donations. Visit www.lots2give.com for a complete list of winners.
About Big Lots
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Big Lots (NYSE:BIG) is a Fortune 500 company with more than 1,300 stores in 47 states. As the nation’s largest broadline closeout retailer, Big Lots offers consumers a wide range of bargain-priced merchandise, including brand-name closeouts, seasonal products, consumables, furniture, housewares, toys, and gifts. The Company also sells merchandise via the Internet at www.biglots.com and through its wholesale operations which are conducted through BIG LOTS WHOLESALE, CONSOLIDATED INTERNATIONAL, and WISCONSIN TOY and www.biglotswholesale.com.
