PIER AQUARIUM PARTNERS WITH MACY’S FOR SEVENTH ANNUAL “SHOP FOR A CAUSE”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           

THE PIER AQUARIUM PARTNERS WITH MACY’S FOR SEVENTH ANNUAL "SHOP FOR A CAUSE”
Charity Shopping Event Scheduled Aug. 25 

St. Petersburg, FL, July 10, 2012 – Macy’s will partner with The Pier Aquarium for its seventh annual "Shop for a Cause” charity shopping event that will take place on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. Macy's customers who are aquarium friends and supporters can purchase $5 tickets/savings passes now at the aquarium’s museum store or online at www.pieraquarium.org/shopforacause.

Tickets at the aquarium will be sold through Saturday, Aug. 25; online sales will stop Friday, Aug. 24.

Macy’s Shop For A Cause is a unique one-day-only shopping event that has helped raise more than $42 million for charities across the country since 2006.  

"Giving back is a cornerstone of Macy’s culture, and through our annual Shop For A Cause program Macy’s has been able to raise more than $42 million for local and national charities that are meaningful for our customers and associates,” said Martine Reardon, Macy’s chief marketing officer. "We are proud to offer our customers a simple way to make a positive difference in their communities while enjoying great savings at Macy’s. Our customers’ ongoing support is an inspiration, and we hope to continue making an impact for years to come.” 

Macy’s has provided The Pier Aquarium with shopping passes to sell for $5 each. The organization will keep 100% of every ticket it sells. Customers who purchase a shopping pass to the event will enjoy a day of spectacular discounts (on most regular, sale and clearance purchases all day), entertainment and special activities. Some exclusions apply.

"Shopping is one of America’s favorite pastimes,” said E. Howard Rutherford, president/CEO of The Pier Aquarium. "Shop for A Cause is a fun way to invite our friends and community to participate, go shopping and help raise funds for the aquarium and our new facility, Secrets of the Sea Marine Exploration Center and Aquarium, that we'll be opening in Spring 2013.” 

For more information about Macy’s Shop For A Cause event, visit macys.com/shopforacause.  

About Macy’s
Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.

About The Pier Aquarium
www.pieraquarium.org

Established in 1988, The Pier Aquarium is a private, non-profit aquarium and marine education center located in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida at The Pier. It showcases 17 tanks of live fish and other marine life and educational exhibits on the first and second floors and an outdoor marine laboratory and teaching unit, the Roy G. Harrell, Jr. Education Station, located on the Pier approach. 

Its mission is to enhance the public’s understanding of the value and fragility of the local and global marine environment through research, education and personal experiences. The Pier Aquarium serves as the "public face” for the St. Petersburg Ocean Team’s research, innovation and technology. The Ocean Team is a consortium of 14 marine science and oceanographic institutions and environmental research agencies in the Southeast and one of the top such industry clusters in the nation. 

More than 65,000 visitors, including 15,000 who participate in our scheduled educational programs, come to The Pier Aquarium annually to attend our Saturday programs, an annual free marine discovery day and Summer Marine Adventures summer camp. Volunteers contribute more than 3,000 hours each year. 

The Pier Aquarium has announced a move to John’s Pass Village, Madeira Beach, Florida and expansion to a 13,000 sq. ft. facility called the Secrets of the Sea Marine Discovery Center and Aquarium. The opening is scheduled for Spring 2013.

###