Loyalty360 Reads: February 1 | CVS Establishes $5M Scholarship for Black, Latinx Students; Crate and Barrel Joins the 15% Pledge; and More

CVS Health Foundation Establishes $5 Million College Scholarship for Black and Latinx Students
The CVS Health Foundation today announced it has established a five-year, $5 million CVS Health Foundation Health Care Careers Scholarship program, in collaboration with UNCF (United Negro College Fund).

Scholarships will be awarded to Black and Latinx students pursuing an academic career in health care. The new scholarship program is part of CVS Health's nearly $600 million commitment over the next five years to address inequity faced by Black people and other disenfranchised communities.

"This scholarship will feed a robust pipeline of under-represented students, which will in turn strengthen the pool of talented college graduates ready for today's and tomorrow's workplace," said David Casey, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, CVS Health. "Enabling students to excel in the workforce—particularly people of color and those facing financial barriers—advances our commitment to social justice and equity and will have a lasting impact."
 
Crate and Barrel Holdings, Inc. Joins the 15 Percent Pledge
Crate and Barrel Holdings Inc. announced it is taking the 15 Percent Pledge to ensure 15% of its products and collaborations are represented by Black businesses, artists and designers by 2024. In addition to the Pledge, the retailer is contributing $225,000 over a three year period to assist in programming, research and development for the 15 Percent Pledge to further their mission of creating more equitable market share for Black-owned businesses.

In taking the Pledge, Crate and Barrel Holdings Inc. has committed to the following benchmarks to support their goal of building a more diverse and equitable workforce across Crate and Barrel, CB2 and Crate and Kids and to elevate Black voices in design, including increasing the representation of Black associates within their corporate office and each store location at least 40% by 2024.
 
Franchise Group acquires Pet Supplies Plus for $700M
Pet Supplies Plus has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Franchise Group for around $700 million in cash, the company announced Monday. Pet Supplies Plus is currently owned by private equity firm Sentinel Capital Partners, which acquired the retailer just over two years ago.
The deal is expected to close by March and will result in more than $3.6 billion in annualized revenue — defined as total sales from both entities — for Franchise Group. Franchise Group has made a deal for $1.3 billion in new term loan facilities to refinance its existing loan for Buddy's Home Furnishings, American Freight and Liberty Tax and provide acquisition financing for the deal with Pet Supplies Plus.
 
Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ Mexico Properties Certified As Autism Aware
Autism Double-Checked (ADC), an autism training company for the hospitality industry, has announced that all Mexico-based properties in the Karisma Hotels & Resorts portfolio are now certified as Autism Aware, adding confidence to travel advisors in addressing lodging options for the autism community when they travel. 

Every member of staff at every resort who interacts with the public has completed the Autism Double-Checked Foundation Course in “Assisting Guests with Autism.” Karisma properties that completed the training include Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancún, Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancún, Generations Riviera Maya, El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Casitas Royale, El Dorado Maroma, Palafitos Overwater Bungalows, El Dorado Seaside Suites and Hidden Beach Resort.
 
George Clooney To Receive AARP Movies For Grownups Career Honor
George Clooney, whose latest move The Midnight Sky is among the buzz titles this awards season, has been tapped to receive this year’s AARP Movies for Grownups Career Achievement Award. The group will bestow the honor at the virtual Movies For Grownups Awards ceremony, which will be broadcast March 28 by Great Performances on PBS.

Movies For Grownups champions movies for grownups, by grownups, by advocating for the 50-plus audience, fighting industry ageism and encouraging films that resonate with older viewers. Winners this year will be announced March 4 in categories including Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Director on the film side. The AARP is also expanding its scope this year to include TV trophies for the first time, with new categories set to include Best Television Series, Best Movie Made for TV or Limited Series, Best TV Actress and Best TV actor.
 

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