Bashas' celebrates National Donut Day

June 5, 9:18 AMPhoenix Travel ExaminerJay Hammond

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Image courtesy of Bashas'

Friday, June 5, 2009 is National Donut Day. To celebrate, Bashas', an Arizona-based family-owned grocer, is offering tasty deals on their yummy made-from-scratch donut AND donating 10 percent of all donut sales on Friday to the Salvation Army.

Why the Salvation Army?

In 1938, the first donut day was a fundraiser for the Salvation Army and honored the Salvation Army “Lassies” serving donuts to homesick soldiers behind World War I front lines in France. Today, when the National Weather Services declares an Extreme Heat Warning for the Phoenix metro area, the Salvation Army is part of the Extreme Heat Emergency Plan and response, providing chilled water, respite, safety information and transportation assistance to people in distress through ten temporary Hydration Stations.

The Salvation Army has been serving the Phoenix area since 1893 through a broad array of programs and services for youth, homeless, working poor, elderly, addicted and abused.The Salvation Army's Southwest Division is headquartered in Phoenix. The Salvation Army also has locations throughout the Valley including locations in Chandler, Estrella Mountain, Glendale, Mesa, Sun City and Tempe.

Bashas' will also be delivering dozens of donuts to police departments in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler and Glendale.

“We're thrilled to celebrate this food holiday with Bashas' bakeries,” said Major Bill Lum, Divisional Secretary of Business for the Salvation Army. “Donuts are one of life's indulgences – they bring genuine delight to any situation. Donuts lifted people's spirits more than 90 years ago, and they continue to do so today. And now, more than ever, Americans are seeking small moments of happiness.”

Who wants to go to the grocery store while traveling?

When you travel, someone else takes care of things like cleaning, doing the laundry and going to the grocery store. It's often a welcome escape for people struggling to balance work, home and family. So why would anyone want to go to the grocery store if they didn't have to?

Simple: Bashas' Family of Stores are more than just grocery stores and many locations offer affordable and unique alternatives to common fast food restaurants. They also give visitors a chance to explore foods unique to Arizona and the Southwest.

Bashas' celebrated 75 years as Arizona's hometown grocer in 2007. Their family of stores includes Bashas' Supermarkets, AJs Fine Foods, Food City and Sportsman's Wines.

AJs Fine Foods is a gourmet and specialty store complete with deli and salad bar. Their patio grill on Val Vista and Baseline (and various other locations) serves some of the best burgers in town. They also cater events.

Food City serves the Hispanic community and carries traditional Mexican foods including seasonal produce like nopales and hatch chilies, a Mexican bakery and a carniceria with specially marinated meats, as well as brands imported from Mexico, making it a great place to find traditional southwestern ingredients and foods. Some Food City locations offer a Tortilleria making fresh, homemade tortillas daily. One location offer a drive through restaurant while others have walk up restaurants serving some of the most authentic and affordable Mexican food in the Valley. Their Pachanga Movil, a 42-foot mobile stage, travels around the Valley offering an array of live cultural entertainment at store openings, fiestas and community events.

Sportsman's Fine Wines & Spirits offer wine afficianados and fans many opportunities to experience new and diverse wines from around the country. Their monthly (weather permitting) Barbeque/Grill events showcase wineries and varietals in wine tasting stations throughout the store while a large outdoor commissary prepares delicious ribs, chicken and other barbequed or grilled delights creating an interactive wine and food tasting environment where you can also chat with knowledgeable wine professionals. These events are not free but attendees do receive a Riedel Tasting Glass and valuable in store coupons. If you can't make the monthly Barbeque/Grill event, complimentary (yes, that means FREE) drop-in wine tastings are held at all Sportsmans locations every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Larger In-Store Wine Tasting Events are also held on weekends with a nominal admission fee.

“Through the years, Bashas' has never lost sight of what is truly important – people, community, compassion, friendship and respect for humanity without discrimination,” said Johnny Basha, Vice Chairman of Bashas' Family of Stores and son of the company's co-founder, Ike Basha. “Arizona's our backyard. We have a vested interest in the neighborhoods we serve and this guides our philosophy of giving back. But we couldn't do it alone – countless Arizona organizations have benefited from the generosity of our members (employees) and customers.”