The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) announced that the Acosta Group, a collective of retail, marketing and foodservice agencies, reached a historic $100 million milestone in fundraising. The partnership first began in 1985 with Acosta, an Acosta Group sales agency.
The Acosta Group includes Acosta, CORE Foodservice, Mosaic, Premium Retail Services and ActionLink and aims to help retailers “win in the modern marketplace.”
Hank Lautrup, an Acosta associate whose son lived with muscular dystrophy, is credited with the early development of the relationship with MDA. Through its “Aisles of Smiles” campaign developed in partnership with leading consumer brands and retailers across the United States, the company has driven both awareness and funding for MDA for nearly 40 years.
The partnership has continued to expand over the decades, now involving associates from across Acosta Group’s entire sales and marketing agency collective. The company supports an array of MDA fundraising events for research and treatment as part of its commitment to creating inclusive employment opportunities for people with disabilities and empowering their independence.
“We are exceptionally proud to celebrate this accomplishment as we elevate our efforts to build awareness, challenge stigmas and create opportunities for people of all abilities,” said Brian Wynne, CEO of Acosta Group. “I want to extend my personal thanks to the work that MDA does every day and to our many associates, brand-owner clients and retail customers who have given so much of their time, energy and funds to support these efforts. We’re excited about the opportunities that lay ahead to help advance MDA’s mission.”
"As families gather this holiday season and look to the coming year with hope, the dedicated partnership of Acosta Group reflects the power of giving, allowing MDA to support research and treatment to help those living with neuromuscular disease,” said Donald S. Wood, Ph.D., president and CEO, MDA. “I want to thank the support of all of our donors, volunteers, ambassadors and community, including partners like Acosta Group, who continue to illuminate the path for breakthroughs in research, care, advocacy and access. MDA’s mission would not be successful without these partners who shine a light of hope and resilience with their unwavering support.”