Perdue invites Eastern Shore residents to Tsunami Relief benefit on Feb. 28

On Sunday, February 27, at Adam?s Ribs in Fruitland, Md., you can enjoy an afternoon of live music, complimentary light fare and have a chance to win a weekend getaway at the Grand Hotel in Ocean City -- all while helping Perdue Farms associates raise funds for tsunami relief efforts.

The event, which features live music by ?Cherry Bud," will also include door prizes and a silent auction. The benefit is part of ?Sending Hope Around the World: A Campaign of Compassion and Caring,? Perdue?s company-wide effort to raise $150,000 to benefit the American Red Cross International Relief Fund.

The campaign began in early January when Perdue Farms Chairman Jim Perdue announced that the company was making an initial donation of $25,000 to the American Red Cross International Relief Fund and would match monies raised, dollar-for-dollar, up to $50,000.Though ?A Campaign of Compassion and Caring? runs through February 28, associates exceeded the initial $50,000 goal within the fifth week of the campaign, prompting Jim Perdue to pledge another $25,000 in matching company contributions. When that second goal was reached a week later, Jim Perdue increased to company match to $100,000.

?Our fellow associates throughout the company have done a great job reaching the first goal, and we wanted to do our part to help push them over the top on the new goal,? said Jennifer Harris of Perdue, one of the benefit event organizers. ?I?ve talked to a lot of people at other Perdue locations, and everyone was moved by this disaster. Their generosity was truly inspiring.?

?Many of our locations have partnered with their communities to raise funds, which were in turn matched by the company,? said Bill See of Perdue, a co-organizer. ?We wanted to do something on Delmarva that would involve the community. Even though this event started in the Corporate Office, associates from all our Delmarva locations are involved.?

In addition to the Grand Prize ? three days and two nights in a King Jacuzzi Suite and $60 in restaurant vouchers courtesy of the Grand Hotel ? attendees will have the opportunity win door prizes and bid on silent auction items. There will also be a 50/50 drawing. Complimentary light fare will include chicken wings and popcorn chicken, courtesy of Perdue Farms. A full range of beverages will be available from the bar and the Adam?s Rib kitchen will be open.

Cherry Bud, featuring Bob and Dory Hayman with drummer Barry Williams, will perform their unique mix of ?rockin? country? throughout the afternoon. The group regularly appears at Brew River, Goin? Nuts Care and Island Way in Salisbury and has been featured at this year?s Punkin? Chunkin? festival and Maryland Coast Days.

Tickets are available in advance from many Perdue associates and at Adam?s Ribs, or at the door. Admission is a $5 donation, which includes a chance at the Grand Prize weekend getaway (winner need not be present for grand prize drawing!). The event begins at 2 and runs until 5.