Safeway, Vons and Other Merchants Contribute More Than $1.5 Million to California Schools Through eScrip!

Business Editors and Education Writers

SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 13, 2000

eScrip announced today that its participating merchants donated $1.5 million to California schools in the fourth quarter 1999. These donations to schools have come from merchants contributing through a new electronic fundraising program developed by Electronic Scrip Inc. (ESI), known as eScrip.

Key merchants involved with eScrip include SAFEWAY, VONS, Budget Rent a Car, Payless Shoe Source, PETsMART and as of April 1, 2000 Chevron.

Under eScrip, supporters simply register their credit cards, debit cards and grocery loyalty cards. Participating national and local merchants make contributions based on consumer purchases ranging from 2 to 10%. "These merchants should be acknowledged for their tremendous support of children and the educational organizations within their communities," said ESI President and CEO Ian Diery. "Safeway and Vons alone have committed a monumental $15 million annually to these organizations using the eScrip avenue for distribution," Diery continued.

"We are proud to continue our long standing commitment to schools in California and Nevada. Our goal is to contribute up to $15 million to schools this year. Through this innovative program, every time our customers shop in a Safeway or Vons store, we will donate a portion of their purchases to their designated school, said Debra Lambert, Safeway's Corporate Director of Public Affairs. "It is a simple, convenient and secure way for schools to raise funds."

eScrip's promise to increase funding levels is rapidly becoming a reality. Many organizations are already experiencing dramatic increases in earnings using the eScrip card registration program. EScrip has opened the doors for middle and high schools to join in this lucrative fundraising program. Miramonte High School in Orinda, CA is on track to receive a substantial increase in funds. The school's scrip coordinators Mary Jane Waldman and Cheryl Hornberger state, "Our December profits were over $3,500. If this continues, we have the potential to earn $8,000 per month or $96,000 per year. This would be an $84,000 increase over previous year and it's less work too!"

Echoing the sentiment of the fundraising power of eScrip, Carol Kulesza, Principal of St. Pancratius School in Lakewood, CA states, "After viewing the magnitude of this fundraiser, our projected goal has been changed from a current earning level of $63,000 a year to $250,000 in the next fiscal year by using eScrip."

The simple use of existing cards and convenience are two key advantages of eScrip that are continually repeated by parents looking to ease their time commitments. "With this system, we can make it easy for the whole community to participate in education funding," says Patty Trick, Scrip Manager for Kiddo! (Mill Valley schools).

Paper-based fundraising programs are an established source of funds for schools. EScrip brings an unprecedented ease and provides the best vehicle for simple, year-round fundraising.

Traditionally schools would purchase paper gift certificates or "scrip" from businesses at a discount. The discount given created a donation to the school. Parents then purchased the paper scrip and redeemed it for purchases at these businesses.

"The beauty of eScrip is that it is so easy," says Diery of ESI. "Once the program is set up, schools enjoy a regular stream of funds with much less effort, avoiding the burden on volunteers and school staff that traditional fundraising methods usually entailed."

Electronic Scrip Incorporated (ESI) of San Mateo is a California-based corporation dedicated to establishing relationships between commerce and community - to provide resources to organizations and projects that support children.

Note to Editors: eScrip will host major promotional events in Southern California March 20 through March 31 under the direction of Mary Pacheco, eScrip's Southern California Director of Development