LISLE, Ill. – Thanks to Eckrich, the makers of naturally hardwood smoked sausage and savory deli meats, James Jackson and his family were honored by chart-topping, platinum-selling country music star Randy Houser Tuesday night at his performance at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich. as part of Luke Bryan's That's My Kind of Night Tour.
Jackson and his family were greeted by Houser's management before the show and escorted backstage to meet the country singer who surprised the family with a gift card for $1,000 towards the purchase of groceries, courtesy of Eckrich. Houser then took the stage and wowed the crowd with his signature powerhouse vocals and a hit-filled set that included the No.1 smashes "How Country Feels," "Runnin' Outta Moonlight" and "Goodnight Kiss" as well as his current Top 5-and-climbing single, "Like A Cowboy."
The gift of groceries and the opportunity to meet one of country music's most popular entertainers are part of the Eckrich "Operation Inspiration" campaign, which honors, thanks and supports military families through its partnership with Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit that provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors. Since last year, Houser has been helping Eckrich pay tribute to military families by hosting and honoring them at his concerts. Houser has long supported the military and their families, and has performed for service members stationed in Iraq and most recently at an Operation Homefront Village in Gaithersburg, Md.
"Any time I can spend some of my time with a military family is special for me," commented Houser. "These families have sacrificed so much so I can go out and perform and do what I love. It was great to meet the Jackson family, hear their story and have them enjoy the concert courtesy of my partner, Eckrich."
Now in its fourth year of partnership with Operation Homefront, Eckrich has donated more than $750,000 to the charity.
"Like Eckrich, Randy is a great supporter of our military families," said Chuck Gitkin, vice president, marketing, innovation and R&D for John Morrell Food Group. "We are thankful for their service and are honored to surprise them with an exciting experience backstage with Randy Houser and $1,000 in free groceries."
For more information about Eckrich and "Operation Inspiration" please visit www.facebook.com/EckrichMeats.
About Eckrich
Founded by Peter Eckrich in 1894, Eckrich has a rich heritage starting from a small meat market in Fort Wayne, Ind. Through it all, Eckrich meats have been recognized for their great taste and supreme quality, craftsmanship, care and pride. For more information, visit www.eckrich.com.
About John Morrell Food Group
With over a century and a half of experience, John Morrell Food Group brands have become respected and well known for providing premium-quality meat products to families across the United States. With products ranging from lunchmeat and franks to smoked sausage, bacon and pepperoni, the John Morrell Food Group is an important part of consumers' mealtimes. The John Morrell Food Group offers several national and regional brands including Armour®, Eckrich®, John Morrell®, Curly's®, Patrick Cudahy®, Carando®, Healthy Ones®, Margherita® Kretschmar® and LunchMakers®.
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $14 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield®, Eckrich®, Farmland®, Armour®, Cook's®, Gwaltney®, John Morrell®, Kretschmar®, Curly's®, Carando®, Margherita®, and Healthy Ones®. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental, and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com and www.smithfieldcommitments.com.
About Randy Houser
Randy Houser took country fans and industry insiders by storm with the 2013 release of his Stoney Creek Records album How Country Feels. Scoring three consecutive No. 1 hits with the title track, "Runnin' Outta Moonlight" and "Goodnight Kiss," Houser also earned an American Country Award for Most Played Radio Track: Male ("How Country Feels") and his first No. 1 as a songwriter ("Goodnight Kiss"). His new single, "Like A Cowboy," is currently in the Top 5 and climbing and was written by Houser and Brice Long. Houser is touring with Luke Bryan on the That's My Kind of Night Tour and Kick The Dust Up Tour in 2015. For more information and the latest tour dates, visit www.RandyHouser.com or follow @RandyHouser.
Source: Smithfield Foods
