"You've gotta do not only what's in the best interest for you and your business, but you also have to do what's best for the community," said Ron Dennis, president and chief operating officer of Farm Fresh.
That was Dennis' message for Wilson residents Tuesday evening at a reception for community leaders.
The store's grand opening for the public was held this morning.
"We are committed to the communities we live in," said Dennis. "We are proud that you are allowing us to be a part of the Wilson community."
Farm Fresh has a history of being very visible and involved in the communities that house their stores, said Susan Mayo, president of Farm Fresh's Charitable Foundation.
That effort began with a bang Tuesday night.
During a short ceremony, Farm Fresh and Lisa Davis, a representative from the Milk Bone corporation, presented Police Chief Harry Tyson a check for $5,000 to be used toward the purchase of an additional K-9 dog.
Milk Bone has been making donations like this through its Canine Heroes program for the last 10 years.
"We are happy to help bring a new dog to the Wilson community," said Davis.
"For the last 20 years, we have worked with K-9 dogs in our department," said Tyson. "This will enable us to add a sixth canine to the unit. Thank you so much for your generosity."
Lt. Keith Pendergrass, who oversees the K-9 unit, said the department would benefit greatly from the donation.
"We are thankful to Farm Fresh and the Milk Bone corporation for their generosity, and we very much appreciate what they have done," he said. "We will put the money to good use by being able to bring another K-9 dog to the force to aid the community."
Farm Fresh also pledged to provide $1,500 worth of books to the new John Wesley Jones Elementary School.
Dennis also said that any firefighter who finds himself working on Sunday is welcome to stop by the store and pick up a free meal.
"They do a lot for the community," Dennis said. "They can have Sunday lunch or dinner on us."
There are also programs available for shoppers to donate food to the local food bank and dog food and supplies to the Humane Society and For the Love of Dogs.
In addition, each of the following local organizations received a $500 gift: American Red Cross, The Wesley Shelter, The Arc of Wilson, YOUTH of Wilson, The Salvation Army, United Way of Wilson and the Wilson Education Partnership.
"You can count on us to stay involved in the community on an ongoing basis," Dennis said.
gina@wilsontimes.com | 265-7821