Hiller's Markets and ALS of Michigan Build Wall of Hope to Combat Lou Gehrig's Disease

Southfield, MI, May 15, 2008 - Hiller's Markets - a local, family-owned chain of independent supermarkets - is conducting a fundraising project in its latest fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) by teaming up with ALS of Michigan to raise money for ALS research as well as patient and community services. ALS is commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Hiller's prides itself on cultivating a company culture that believes in supporting the communities in which it does business. The newest store at 3010 Union Lake Road in Commerce Township has launched an in-store campaign to support ALS research.

"We are thrilled to once again have the support of Hiller's," says Sue Burstein-Kahn, executive director of ALS of Michigan. "Jim Hiller and Hiller's Markets have partnered with us in supporting ALS research for a very long time. We are confident that Hiller's customers will continue to do what they can to provide patients with hope."

Cashiers at the Union Lake store are collecting donations from customers as they check out. The customers will sign their names on specially designed $1 bill placards. The placards have Lou Gehrig's photo on them and will be placed on the "Wall of Hope." Hiller's Markets and ALS of Michigan will present the donor a small souvenir Lou Gehrig "baseball card" with information on the baseball legend, as well as about the organization.

ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a neuromuscular disease that affects 30,000 people nationwide, including more than 1,000 in Michigan. ALS is diagnosed in individuals as young as in their mid-20s to those in their 70s. Only 10 percent of patients with ALS live longer than 10 years after diagnosis.

In addition to offering and contributing to a variety of local educational, religious and nonprofit entities through initiatives like the Hiller's Scrip Card program, Hiller's has a strong history of ALS support, notably through the founding of the Hiller ALS Clinic and Research Center in the Wayne State University School of Medicine. Scrip Card Program shoppers can choose to help ensure the continuation of programs and services for the ALS community, for example. For every $1 loaded onto a Hiller's Markets Scrip Card - ALS of Michigan receives 5%.

"Today, there is no known cure for ALS. We are working diligently, pursuing promising research trials. Regardless of size, every single donation makes an impact, " said Jim Hiller, president of Hiller's Markets.

The checkout donation campaign is being conducted during ALS Awareness Month, which Congress has recognized for the month of May. It also coincides with the 30th anniversary of ALS of Michigan. As of now, there is no determined end-date to the campaign.

ALS of Michigan is a voluntary not-for-profit organization dedicated to the fight against ALS. ALS of Michigan consistently supports ALS patients through sponsoring workshops, support groups, and equipment loan assistance among other programs.

Based in Southfield, Mich., Hiller's Markets have seven stores throughout metro Detroit and Ann Arbor. Founded in 1941 by Sidney Hiller, the company today continues to adhere to his mantra of only delivering the best to his customers through a knowledgeable and attentive staff at a fair price.

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