Burlington, NJ -Today, representatives from The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society® presented the President, Chairman, and CEO of Burlington Coat Factory, with their National Walk Award, in recognition of the company's charitable contribution to the Society. In August 2001 Burlington Coat Factory became the Society's first Paper Balloon Retail Sponsor for the Light the Night Walk®, a national effort to raise funds and awareness for the fight against blood cancer. Employees throughout Burlington Coat Factory's stores nationwide also formed a national walking team. The company's combined efforts raised a total of nearly $225,000 for the Society in 2002.

The Light the Night Walk is a series of casual community walks that serve to bring attention to the plight of those living with cancer, survivors, and their friends and family. Collectively, Burlington Coat Factory employees formed a team of 800, who walked through their communities across the country, dotting the evening sky with balloons to show their support. Participating stores selling paper balloons in the weeks preceding Light the Night raised approximately $176,000 of the total donation.

Earlier this year, Burlington Coat Factory received the De Villiers Award in recognition of its corporate charitable efforts in the struggle against blood cancer. Chris Pilla visited St. Louis to accept the award on behalf of the company. He says about the organization, "Cancer touches so many lives. It is personal for so many, which is why we chose this organization to partner with on a national level. Our employees across the country were enthusiastic about every aspect of Light the Night - from filling their stores with balloons to teaming up for their local walk. We're not only doing something for a great cause, but we're boosting morale."

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, founded in 1949, is dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's Disease, and myeloma, while improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Nearly 617,000 Americans are currently living with a blood-related cancer. During its existence, the Society has provided more than $280 million towards research for these diseases.

"Burlington Coat Factory added tremendous energy and value to our Light The Night Walk campaign," said Dwayne Howell, President and CEO of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. "The company’s participation, including the support of their retail outlets, helped us to raise awareness in communities throughout the country. Their contributions will help us in our mission to fund blood cancer research, provide education and services to patients and their families."

Burlington Coat Factory is one of the nation's leading off-price retailer of first quality apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family, linens and home décor, and baby clothing and merchandise. Burlington Coat Factory operates over 320 stores, including subsidiaries, in 42 states.