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Target Corporation Honors and Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Target Corporation Honors and Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Published 01-15-03
Submitted by Target Corporation
Target Corporation is committed to supporting the values of freedom, respect and equality that Dr. King worked hard to instill in Americans. The company strives to demonstrate these values every day with its team members, its guests and in the communities in which it operates. Through various community giving programs within its operating companies, Target Stores, Marshall Field's and Mervyn's attempt to further the "dreams" that Dr. King preached three decades ago.
Target Corporation-sponsored Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrations are taking place in Minneapolis, Chicago, Atlanta and New York:
- Minneapolis -- On January 15, Target Corporation is sponsoring the "Celebrate the Dream" event at the Basilica of Saint Mary, where Martin Luther King, III will share insight and perspective in honor of his father. In addition, on January 20, the company is participating in the MLK Holiday Celebration with the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center where 3,000 school children from underserved communities will attend a pre-game event to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Chicago - On January 18, team members from Target and Marshall Field's stores will participate in a volunteer event called "Chicago Cares."
More than 300 team members from these stores will work on projects throughout the city with Chicago-area public school students to celebrate the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On Friday, January 17 and Saturday, January 18, Target is also co-sponsoring the UNCF Historically Black College Fair at the Navy Pier Grand Ballroom.
Students from Chicago-area high schools and select middle schools will have the chance to visit and speak with representatives from 60-70 historically black colleges and universities at the fair.
- Atlanta - On January 18, Target Stores is sponsoring the "Salute to Greatness" gala at the King Center honoring and saluting Dr. King's extraordinary efforts to bring about non-violent social change in America.
- New York - On January 20, Target Stores is proud to sponsor the "Celebrating the Dream Gala and Dinner" at the Lincoln Center. During this event, winners from school essay contests held in Chicago, Miami, New York and Los Angeles will be recognized for their exceptional essays honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event also celebrates the 35th anniversary of the Boys Choir of Harlem. The Choir will perform a number of songs in tribute to Dr. King.
"Target Corporation is a community partner that believes strongly in supporting families, education, volunteerism and diversity," said Laysha Ward, director of community relations for Target Corporation. "As we work to strengthen the communities where we operate, we are inspired by the mission and values Dr. King set in motion for all citizens."
During these four days of celebrations, Target Corporation honors Dr. King's dreams of freedom and liberty for all citizens of America. Throughout the year, Target Corporation gives back to the communities in which it serves.
About Target Corporation
Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) operates large-store general merchandise formats, including discount stores, moderate-priced promotional and traditional department stores, as well as a direct mail and on-line business called target.direct. The company currently operates 1,476 stores in 47 states. This includes 1,148 Target stores, 264 Mervyn's stores and 64 Marshall Field's stores. Positive community leadership and involvement have been central to Target Corporation's culture since its inception. Target Corporation has one of the largest giving programs in America and has consistently been among the nation's largest corporate philanthropists. Since 1946, the corporation has invested five percent of its federally taxable income in the communities it serves. Target Corporation is the only major retailer to make this commitment. This totals more than $2 million a week invested in people and resulting in opening doors, providing access, inspiring dreams, witnessing achievements and applauding successes.
