Media Contact: Jayne Levy, Fishman Public Relations, 847-945-1300,  jlevy@fishmanpr.com 

 

 

 

Northville, MI (January 2009) – As the sluggish economy continues to put a damper on small business spending, Allegra Network is offering a helping hand to nonprofit organizations that have nowhere to turn. The 600-unit worldwide franchise company, specializing in print and graphic communications under the brand names of Allegra Print & Imaging, American Speedy Printing and Insty-Prints, today announced that it has donated more than $2.5 million in printing services to nonprofit organizations nationwide and will continue to donate more through its FootPRINT Fund® program.

 

“In today’s economy, nonprofit organizations must work harder to recruit volunteers and the funds necessary to support their causes,” said Carl Gerhardt, CEO of Allegra Network. “Through the FootPRINT Fund® program, our print division franchise owners are able to build strong ties with local nonprofits to help fulfill their printing and graphic needs. We are proud of the many franchise members who give back to the community by participating in this and other goodwill programs.”

 

The FootPRINT Fund® provides nonprofit organizations with the resources they need to effectively “leave their footprint” in local communities by supplying free services for graphic design, printing, copying and bindery for brochures, newsletters, forms, flyers, and posters. Allegra Network franchisees have contributed up to $35,000 annually in print services.

 

To be considered for a FootPRINT Fund® donation, nonprofit organizations must complete a written application explaining their goals and how the printing services will be used. Eligible nonprofit organizations can receive awards up to $1,000 in printing services a year. Forms can be picked up at a participating Allegra Network print location.

 

To date, the FootPRINT Fund® has helped more than 1,500 service organizations and groups benefiting children, the elderly, community development, visual and performing arts, individuals faced with disabilities, religious groups, healthcare organizations and professional associations across North America. Some include: the American Cancer Society, Boy Scouts of America, the American Diabetes Association, the Special Olympics and the Salvation Army.

 

The FootPRINT Fund® was inspired by Pete Oslund, owner of Insty-Prints in Owatonna, Minnesota, who started a local program to help nonprofit organizations in his community. He received such an overwhelming response that Allegra Network created a national program based on his model.

 

Since launching the FootPRINT Fund® in 2003, Allegra Network has received three awards including the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Diamond Award, the Communicator Crystal Award of Excellence, and the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Renaissance Award in recognition of goodwill efforts displayed by Allegra Network’s franchise members. Allegra Network was also recently named as a finalist for the PR News Corporate Social Responsibility Award for the company’s community philanthropy.

 

About Allegra Network

 

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