Stop & Shop said yesterday that it has raised its target amount of $3.75 million from the 2008 Triple Winner Game, a scratch-card promotion created to fund treatment and possible cures for those with childhood cancer. 2008's game marks the 18th annual Triple Winner Game for the Ahold USA banner.

"Triple Winner has been the cornerstone of Stop & Shop's efforts to help eradicate childhood cancer," noted Stop & Shop president and c.e.o. José Alvarez. "Through this program, our associates, customers and suppliers have raised more than $48 million since 1991 to directly support cancer research and care for children.”

Of the funds raised, $2.5 million went to the Jimmy Fund, and $1.25 million to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Playing the Triple Winner Game, participants can win a free product, a gift card, or cash prizes up to $10,000. The promotion, which sold out of scratch card weeks before the program officially ended, gave out tickets to shoppers who made a $1 donation to combat childhood cancer.

Additionally, the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets joined with Stop & Shop once again to promote Triple Winner at home games to fans who attended games at Fenway Park and Shea Stadium.

Quincy, Mass.-based Stop & Shop Supermarket employs over 59,000 associates and operates stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and New Jersey.