Vienna, WV (August 11, 2009) – Grand Central Mall officials announced today that for the fifth year in a row, the mall will award $20,000 to local area schools this fall.  Grand Central Mall drives its commitment to children’s education through Earning for Learning, a partnership program designed to promote and support education in local school districts.  Earning for Learning encourages local residents to shop at any Grand Central Mall retailer over a six-week promotional period to earn “points,” and ultimately the chance to win cash prizes, for the school of their choice. This year’s program will also include a weekly drawing.

“We are always very excited to kickoff Earning for Learning. This wonderful program provides much needed cash to the winning schools that they can use at their discretion. Past winners have done everything from paying bills to purchasing new computers; even taking the entire school on field trips,” explains Katrina Stephens, Marketing Director of the Grand Central Mall.

Each dollar spent August 17 – September 27 can be turned into points. Shoppers simply redeem their receipts for points at Guest Services in the center of the mall and designate their points to the school of their choice.  

Grand Central Mall will keep a tally of the leading schools updated weekly at the mall. Each school will be ranked on a point-per-student ratio.  At the end of the contest, the top four schools will be awarded cash prizes of $10,000, $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000 respectively. Shoppers have until the close of business on September 27, 2009 to turn in their receipts.

At the end of the contest, winning schools will be invited to a ceremony where they will receive their prizes. The winning schools will be notified by October 2, 2009.

Last year, over 320,000 points were totaled for the 43 area schools who participated.  Belpre Christian Academy, last year’s grand prize winner, was awarded $10,000.   

Every K-12 school in the area is eligible to participate in the contest and is not required to sign-up.  Grand Central Mall encourages residents to show their school spirit by participating in the Earning for Learning program and turn their shopping dollars into money for local schools.

Mall officials have added an extra incentive to this year’s program. In addition to competing in the six-week program to earn a share of the $20,000, schools and shoppers will now have a weekly chance to earn some cash. As an added incentive, mall officials will draw one shopper’s name from the points that have been turned in each week. That lucky shopper will receive a $50 Grand Central Mall gift card, and the school which they allocated their points for will receive a $100 pre-paid gift card that can be used just like a credit card for school supplies, party supplies, etc. This year’s addition could result in many different schools reaping the benefits of this program, as six weekly drawings will take place in addition to the final $20,000 in cash prizes.

For a complete list of rules, please visit www.grandcentralmall.com.

About the Company

Grand Central Mall is anchored by JC Penney, Sears, Belk, Elder-Beerman, and Regal Cinemas and is located at 100 Grand Central Avenue.  It features over 100 specialty shops, including American Eagle, Hollister, Buckle, a newly renovated Maurices and Victoria’s Secret, and brand new Charlotte Russe and Vanity stores. For more information about Earning for Learning, any Grand Central Mall store or event, please call 304-485-4465 or visit grandcentralmall.com. Grand Central Mall is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm, and Sundays 10 am to 6 pm. Grand Central Mall is owned and managed by Glimcher Realty Trust of Columbus, Ohio.

Glimcher Realty Trust, a real estate investment trust, is a recognized leader in the ownership, management, acquisition and development of regional and super?regional malls and open-air lifestyle centers.

Glimcher Realty Trust´s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GRT." Glimcher Realty Trust´s Series F and Series G preferred shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols "GRT.F" and "GRT.G," respectively.  Glimcher Realty Trust is a component of the Russell 2000 Index, representing small cap stocks, and the Russell 3000 Index, representing the broader market.

Visit Glimcher at: www.glimcher.com