The eighth annual Kids for Hope fundraising program, a month-long series of events supporting pediatric research, treatment and educational programs, has generated $730,000.

Kids for Hope is a longstanding fundraising effort by the Southern California Food Industries Circle, whose participating retailers represent more than 900 store locations, including Albertsons, Bristol Farms, Food 4 Less, Gelson’s, Jax Markets, Ralphs, Stater Bros. and Superior Grocers markets. Customers at these participating grocery store outlets were encouraged to purchase mobiles at checkout registers during October, and proceeds from the mobiles benefit the cancer center.

Kids for Hope organizers held a media auction in Newport Beach, Calif., on Oct. 16, a high point of the campaign. More than 50 food industry guests gathered at the Newport Beach Bristol Farms location to participate in the media auction, which featured advertising space donated by Albertson’s and Bristol Farms. The event raised more than $170,000 during the course of the evening.

“With nearly 9,500 children under age 15 diagnosed each year with cancer, the Kids for Hope campaign is important in the fight against the disease, and we’re proud to be a part of it,” said Kevin Davis, president, chair and chief executive officer of Bristol Farms and current Southern California Food Industries Circle president.

Patrick Posey, Bristol Farms senior director of sales and advertising, added: “Part of being grocers is helping families. This effort is another extension of our focus.”