Tanger Collected Cards & Letters of Appreciation from Shoppers Nationwide during the July 4th Holiday
GREENSBORO, N.C., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- With members of the United States armed forces currently serving in approximately 40 countries around the globe, letting these brave men and women know how much we appreciate their sacrifices might seem like a daunting task. Tanger Outlet Centers, in partnership with the Armed Forces Foundation, gave its shoppers the perfect opportunity to say Thank You to our troops. June 30 - July 6, 2008 Tanger's 31 outlet shopping centers in 22 states across the nation invited its customers to drop off cards, letters and drawings with their personalized message of support and thanks. More than 21,000 cards and letters were collected by Tanger Outlets over the week-long campaign. These items are being shipped to U.S. military installations around the world by the Armed Forces Foundation.
"It is wonderful to know that thousands of our soldiers will be a able to see firsthand just how much we appreciate their service to our country," remarked Stanley K. Tanger, Chairman and CEO of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. "It is through their courage, dedication and love of country that we may enjoy all of the freedoms that we all hold so dear."
As part of Tanger's national Salute to our Troops campaign, a $25,000 donation will be made by Tanger Outlet Centers to support the AFF's mission to provide for the mental, physical and emotional well-being of our soldiers and their families. For more information about the Armed Forces Foundation please visit www.armedforcesfoundation.org or call (202) 547-4713.
"The Armed Forces Foundation would like to acknowledge the generous contributions of Tanger Outlets in supporting members of the military community," said Patricia Driscoll, President of the Armed Forces Foundation. "Tanger's national effort to let the troops around the world know that we appreciate their sacrifices will undoubtedly have a positive impact on Service Members and their families."
Across the country many Tanger Outlet Centers worked with area schools, churches and other community organizations to collect cards and letters to honor our troops. In Sevierville, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Tanger Outlet Center made this campaign a true community effort. Partnering with more than a dozen schools, resorts and other businesses, the center was able to collect more than 3,400 cards and drawings. "Our local residents and area vacationers all seemed so appreciative and excited to be able to share their feelings with our soldiers," said Judith Huskey, General Manager of the Tanger Outlet Center in Sevierville. "It was a very gratifying experience for everyone."
In Commerce, Georgia near Atlanta, the Tanger center used its 50 foot American flag as a backdrop as it held a special community ceremony on July 5th to honor members of the United States military from Northeast Georgia. U.S. Congressman Paul Broun of Georgia was the keynote speaker. A local restaurant served food and raised $375 for the Armed Forces Foundation. Across the country, Tanger honors local veterans in each of the communities that it serves with a 24" x 36" commemorative bronze plaque that is on display for its shoppers to view.
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc., (NYSE: SKT) a publicly traded REIT, presently has ownership interests in or management responsibilities for 31 shopping centers in 22 states coast-to-coast, totaling approximately 9.1 million square feet, leased to over 2,000 stores that are operated by over 400 different store brands.
SOURCE Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.
For further information: Mike Buescher of Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc., +1-336-834-6826
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