Highlighted by record giving in 2007, Rutter’s charitable
contributions have topped $1.4 million over the past five years. Almost
all of the contributions benefit children’s programs in the communities
where the York-based Rutter’s companies operate.
"We’re incredibly blessed to have the long-standing trust and
support of customers throughout central Pennsylvania," said Scott
Hartman, president of Rutter’s Farm Stores. "It’s because of them that
Rutter’s has enjoyed the success that makes it possible for us to
support these worthy causes and organizations that do so much good in
our communities. We’re very fortunate to have the ability to help their
financial needs."
The company-record donations this year, which exceed $600,000, include:
* $170,000 to Crispus Attucks Association in York to support its
capital campaign, which will support the building of a day care and
educational center.
* $100,000 to Junior Achievement of South Central PA for its
BizTown program in York, which combines in-class learning with a
day-long visit to JA’s fully interactive simulated town where students
learn the fundamental relationship between academics and life beyond
school.
* $100,000 for the new YMCA aquatic center in York. The
project, which will open in 2008, will feature indoor and outdoor
pools. The indoor pool will comprise a 500-seat spectator area, lockers
and team area, and a cafe; the outdoor pool will include 50-meter lap
lanes and a "splash zone" and a "sprayground" for children.
* $120,000 to the YMCA of York and York County to provide
scholarships for pre-school children who have disabilities or are from
lower-income families.
* $150,000 to the YWCA of Hanover, which will use the funds to
renovate the building that houses its Junior Quantum Opportunities
extended-learning program offered to students ages 5 to 12.
* $50,000 to the YWCA of York to help at-risk students through its Quantum Opportunities program.
The 2007 contributions also include approximately 200 smaller
awards, such as $2,000 for a community park in Red Lion in southern
York County, $2,000 for a child cancer survivor’s day at Penn State
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, $17,000 for York’s Newspapers in
Education program, and $2,000 to buy Christmas presents for needy
children.
Rutter’s is a family-owned and third generation-managed company
operating Rutter’s Farm Stores, Rutter’s Dairy and M&G Realty, a
real-estate holding company. The companies employ more than 1,000
people in central Pennsylvania.