Pilot campaigns raise more than $57,000 for two nonprofits

February 19, 2019

Pilot Convenience Stores presented checks totaling more than $57,000 to two East Tennessee nonprofit organizations on Feb. 12 at the Pilot Convenience Store at 5402 Rutledge Pike in Knoxville.

The first, a $21,225 check to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), was raised during a fundraising campaign last November at East Tennessee Pilot convenience stores. During that time, Pilot guests could opt to “round up” their purchase to the nearest dollar and donate the amount to LLS.

Pilot also presented a $36,667 check to The Salvation Army of Knoxville. Pilot guests in East Tennessee again were offered the opportunity to “round up” their purchase to the nearest dollar with the additional amount donated to the nonprofit during a fundraiser last December.

“Through these ‘round-up’ campaigns, Pilot guests have donated tens of thousands of dollars to local nonprofits, and in November and December, our guests stepped up in a big way to support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and The Salvation Army,” said Dan Fleming, vice president of operations for Pilot. “Supporting local nonprofits is simply the right thing to do, and we’re honored and humbled to pass along these donations from our community, for our community.”

Bethany Fields and Lori Friel, center, both of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), accept a check on Feb. 12 for $21,225 from Robert Jarnigan, left, and Keith Maner, right, both of Pilot Convenience Stores. The funds were raised last November when Pilot guests could “round up” their purchase to the nearest dollar and donate the amount to LLS.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society strives to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. These goals are achieved through funding research, providing access to education and support for patients and families, and through policy and advocacy. Other funds are raised by annual campaigns: Light The Night Walk, Man & Woman of the Year, Student Series, Team In Training and Student of the Year.

“Pilot is a beacon of light in our community and we’re so grateful for this generous donation,” said Lori Friel, campaign manager for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “We also want to extend our thanks to the great people in our community, whose generosity will continue to allow us to provide financial assistance to patients, support and fund lifesaving research as well as advocate on behalf of patients and their families to enact policies that ease burdens of these diseases. Thank you to everyone.”

Sara Prinzi and Major Dalton Cunningham, center, both of The Salvation Army of Knoxville, accept a check on Feb. 12 for $36,667 from Robert Jarnigan, left, and Keith Maner, right, both of Pilot Convenience Stores. The funds were raised last December when Pilot guests could “round up” their purchase to the nearest dollar and donate the amount to The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army of Knoxville offers such services as providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. Its annual Red Kettle Campaign is a major fundraiser.

“It is almost difficult to express in words just how grateful The Salvation Army of Knoxville is to Pilot and to the community for this donation,” said Sara Prinzi, development director for The Salvation Army of Knoxville. “During every hour of every day, someone in our area is receiving assistance from The Salvation Army. These funds help us meet the current needs of our citizens and also will equip families so that future generations have positive outcomes. Thank you for  your support.”

For additional information:
Stephanie Myers
Pilot Flying J
865-474-4096
[email protected]

About Pilot

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pilot operates 38 convenience stores in Tennessee.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to fighting blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Rye Brook, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is an international church and charity operating in 131 countries worldwide. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination. For more information, see salvationarmy.org.