Wounded Warrior Project Accepts Donation from Western Beef, Inc.

Checks presented to injured veterans on "Good Day New York."

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Dec. 21, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following a successful point of sale campaign, grocery chain Western Beef, Inc. presented a check for over $27,000 to Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) on New York's Fox 5 morning show, "Good Day New York" on December 21. Two New York area service members injured in Iraq, John Fernandez and Jamel Daniels, who accepted the funds on behalf of WWP, were surprised to receive an additional check for $27,000 from Western Beef as the company announced it would match the campaign's proceeds and bring the total donation for WWP to over $54,000. Company representatives and the warriors were joined on "Good Day New York" for the presentation by Tony Sirico and Lorraine Bracco, best known for their roles on HBO's "The Sopranos" and long time proud supporters of WWP.

The Western Beef campaign featured posters of wounded warriors in the stores. Shoppers were encouraged to donate $1.00 and have their name added to a WWP logo in the store window. Though it was the first time the store had participated in a campaign of this kind, Western Beef CEO Peter Castellana was thrilled to build on his company's existing support for WWP, having been active with the organization for some time, donating food and other resources. As Mr. Castellana stated during the presentation, "we are able to be here today thanks to the warriors serving overseas." Frank O'Hara, Vice President for Western Beef added, "they are the sons and daughters of America. How can we not help them?" The company plans to continue its participation by thanking its customers for their part in raising the funds and by renewing the effort in 2011.

The checks presented this morning will go toward WWP's unique programs and services for warriors injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. Over 39,000 of our nation's armed forces have been physically wounded during the current military conflicts. Hundreds of thousands more are estimated to be recovering from invisible wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). WWP assists wounded warriors and their families through a holistic approach to their recovery. Whether through caregiver retreats, combat stress programs, career and education services, or adaptive sporting opportunities, WWP empowers warriors with the tools essential to not just survive their injuries but to thrive and achieve personal and professional success.

"We are pleased to have the support of Western Beef, Inc. and their customers, "said Al Giordano, Deputy Executive Director for WWP. "It is when corporations and individuals join us in working toward our mission of honoring and empowering our warriors that we are able to accomplish the most good; this donation is deeply appreciated."

Western Beef runs 28 high volume warehouse style supermarkets, selling mostly meats but also produce, groceries, and a limited selection of nonfood items such as health and beauty aids. The founding Castellana family owns Western Beef, which it took private in 1999.

Located in populous and culturally diverse neighborhoods primarily in metropolitan New York City, Western Beef caters to specific ethnic groups with specialty foods they often can't find in other stores. The company also sells beef, pork, poultry, produce, and private-label groceries through a wholesale business in New York, New Jersey and Florida. For more details, visit www.westernbeef.com.

About Wounded Warrior Project

The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project^® is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP's purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project