What a great day for this 12-year-old boy! He was taking part in his school’s Valentine’s Day fundraiser, and he decided to email the CEO of Costco, one of the most beloved big box retailers in the world.
And guess what, the CEO not only wrote back but went the second mile and donated exactly what that boy was hoping for to meet his goal.
Grant Cerwin sent an email to Costco CEO Craig Jelinek. The sixth grader emailed Jelinek asking if he would donate one of Costco’s famous 93-inch teddy bears to his middle school’s fundraiser in Los Angeles. Here’s Grant’s letter:
“Hi, Mr. Jelinek,
My name is Grant Cerwin and I am 12 years old. I go to [removed] Middle School and am the 6th-grade class rep. We want to raffle off one of your giant bears as a Valentine’s Day fundraiser for our school. We are part of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Is there any chance Costco might donate one? My dad has a truck and we could come to get it at the store. I would make sure everyone knew you gave it to us in our school newsletter, on social media, and with a big sign by the bear. I know it is a long shot but I thought it couldn’t hurt to ask. We are also seeing how we might get enough money to buy one. Thanks for considering. Your friend, Grant.”
The long shot email was perfectly timed, Jelinek not only saw the email but jumped into action, asking his colleague “Can we find him a teddy?”
The CEO’s assistant emailed their colleagues and quickly secured a bear for Cerwin’s school.
Grant then received the following message from Costco:
“Good morning Grant. I am the Toy Supervisor at Costco’s LA Regional office. I have good news, Costco will be donating a 93” Plush Bear to your school to use in your Valentine’s Day fundraiser! We could have it delivered to the school directly so your parents don’t have to worry about transporting it.”
The Massive Bear was delivered to Grant and his school was able to include it in their fundraiser.
Those that love Costco probably aren’t shocked, it is a company that has been built on a well-earned reputation for treating customers and their employees with dignity and respect.
Grant said, “I couldn’t believe that they responded so fast and that so many people helped. They didn’t want anything, just to help our school.”
