Salisbury, Md. (Wednesday, July 22, 2015) — Associates at Perdue Farms’ operation in Gainesville, Ga., recently donated $2,800 to the Hall County Relay for Life in support of the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer.

“The opportunity for Relay for Life to partner with Perdue for the 2015 Relay for life of Hall County shows a combined effort to the community in the fight against cancer,” said Rena Pendley, community manager for Relay for Life, South Atlantic Division. “The funds raised by Perdue supports the mission of the American Cancer Society to help the citizens of our community to learn strategies on how to stay well, how to get well, and give needed assistance to cancer patients and their families through the many programs offered locally.”

Associates generated the funds through a combination of bake sales, T-shirt sales, doughnut and coffee sales, a gift card raffle, and securing pledges for the Relay event.

“At Perdue, we’re proud of our partnership with the American Cancer Society here in Hall County,” said Phil Whisnant, Perdue human resources manager. “We believe in being responsible members of the community in which we live and work, and the giving spirit of our associates to support the fight against cancer reflects that commitment, and our company’s values and heritage.”

Like so many people in the community, this year’s Relay for life was especially poignant for Perdue associate Michelle Mandrona, a quality assurance clerk, whose sister is battling cancer.

“I ‘relay’ to show support for the countless lives that are affected everyday by this awful disease,” said Mandrona. “I have lost so many, my mother, grandmother, brother and two aunts. I have fought this fight alongside some of the strongest people I could ever hope to meet. And through this terrible disease became a stronger daughter, sister, mother and friend. I pray every day she (my sister) wins her fight.”

As Pendley explains, one in four members of our community will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. “With the help of corporations like Perdue, the American Cancer Society will continue to educate our community on potentially life-saving strategies, ways to reduce mortality and health care costs, and improve workplace productivity through healthy lifestyle choices, screening guidelines and available resources.”

About American Cancer Society and Relay for Life
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. To learn more, visit www.cancer.org. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loves ones, and fight back against the disease. Each year, more than four million people in over 20 countries take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer. To learn more, visit www.relayforlife.org.

About Perdue Farms
Perdue Farms is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for everyone we touch through innovative food and agricultural products. Since our beginning on Arthur Perdue’s farm in 1920, to our expansion into agribusiness and the introduction of the PERDUE® brand of chicken and turkey under Frank Perdue, and continuing with our third generation of leadership with Chairman Jim Perdue, we’ve remained family owned and family operated. We are the parent company of Perdue Foods and Perdue AgriBusiness. Through our PERDUE® SIMPLY SMART®, PERDUE® HARVESTLAND®, COLEMAN PREMIUM® and COLEMAN ORGANIC® food brands; agricultural products and services; and stewardship and corporate responsibility programs, we are working to become the most-trusted name in food and agricultural products. Learn more about Perdue Farms at www.perduefarms.com.