Benton Harbor, Mich. (July 11, 2011) - Habitat for Humanity of Michigan today partnered with one of the "coolest" tastes in the state, Hudsonville Ice Cream, to dish up more than 3,500 ice cream scoops to celebrate Whirlpool Corporation's 100th anniversary and 11 years of partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Approximately 2,000 Whirlpool employees at the company’s headquarters locations in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, Mich., were treated to two of Hudsonville’s most popular flavors – Mackinac Island Fudge and Grand Traverse Bay Cherry Fudge®.
“Alongside an outstanding Michigan-based business, Hudsonville Ice Cream, we are thrilled to express our gratitude to Whirlpool and their employees,” says Sandra Pearson, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Michigan. “To be able to partner with both these corporate leaders is a testament to our work for the families and communities we serve together. Companies like Whirlpool and Hudsonville Ice Cream are key to helping Habitat in our ‘ReBuild Michigan’ campaign. Along with Hudsonville, we thank Whirlpool and their employees and wish them all a very happy 100th anniversary!”
“We are excited to help Habitat for Humanity express its appreciation to Whirlpool employees for their 11 year partnership with Habitat and help wish them a ‘Happy Anniversary’ through one of our ‘Random Acts of Ice Cream’ events,” said Bruce Kratt, director of Sales and Marketing for Hudsonville Ice Cream, “The Whirlpool/Habitat relationship is a true testament to the difference a strong partnership can make to society and people’s lives and communities.”
Celebrating 100 years of leadership and commitment to excellence, Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances. Whirlpool has been committed to building communities and families with Habitat in 40 countries around the world. With more than 130,000 appliances donated to Habitat globally since 1999 and 7,000 employee volunteers around the world, the company’s aggregate commitment to Habitat is nearly $72 million during its 11 year partnership with Habitat.
About Habitat for Humanity of Michigan
Habitat for Humanity of Michigan (HFHM) is the state support organization for the state's network of local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. Its mission is to increase Habitat’s capacity to build simple decent homes in partnership with people in need in the State of Michigan. HFHM is a non-profit 501c (3) organization established in 1993 to provide services to 76 local affiliates in 83 counties in Michigan. It is proud to be the first successful state support organization in the country.
About Hudsonville Ice Cream
Since 1926, Hudsonville Ice Cream has been a staple in the West Michigan community. It has expanded to reach more than 500 ice cream parlors in the six-state area that serves its ice cream. Hudsonville contributes to the community by providing support and unique “Random Acts of Ice Cream” appreciation events in support of non-profit organizations, most recently with Habitat for Humanity of Michigan.
About The Whirlpool Corporation Partnership With Habitat For Humanity
In more than 11 years of partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Whirlpool Corporation has developed active partnerships in 40 countries with a commitment nearing $72 million. In North America, the company has donated more than 130,000 ranges and ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators to new Habitat homes, serving 65,000 families. Additionally, Whirlpool has donated more than 25,000 products to Habitat ReStore retail outlets, helping raise $3.5 million in two years. A proud sponsor of Habitat’s Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project since 2003, the company has engaged 7,000 employee volunteers, sponsored more than 100 homes around the world and served more than 16,200 families in Europe. Whirlpool plans to support the work of Habitat around the world through product donations, financial contribution or volunteerism.