October 18, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 18, 2013
For more information,
Contact: Lauren Christ
Moxley Carmichael
(865) 544-0088
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On Oct. 16, Pilot presented checks totaling more than $75,000 to three area not-for-profit organizations.
The first, a $35,000 check to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Greater East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia (MDA), represented funds raised through the Pilot/MDA Golf Classic. A $16,591.48 check to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) was made possible through the sale of $1 paper JDRF sneakers at all Knoxville-area Pilot Food Mart locations over a two-week period in September. Finally, a $25,205 check to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley represented proceeds raised through the “adoption” of rubber ducks at Pilot Food Marts in connection with the Boys & Girls Clubs’ annual Duck Race.
“Pilot is committed to giving back to the communities we serve, and we recognize with appreciation the important role that the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs play in our community,” said Dan Fleming, vice president of operations for Pilot. “We are proud to continue our partnership to raise funds for these organizations, and we’re proud of our customers for stepping up to support these worthy causes. Without the generosity of our customers, these donations wouldn’t be possible.”
“This year alone, Pilot has raised a total of $110,000 for our organization,” Alyssa Merka of the MDA of Greater East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. “These funds directly support the East Tennessee families served by our program through services such as MDA summer camps and clinic visits. We appreciate the generosity of the greater Knoxville community and Pilot for helping make these fundraisers so successful.”
The JDRF East Tennessee Chapter covers 47 counties in the East Tennessee area, including the Tri-Cities, Knoxville and Chattanooga. The organization’s highest priority remains funding research to deliver a cure for Type 1 diabetes and its complications.
“The Sneaker Sale raises awareness and money to help fund research to find a cure for Type 1 diabetes,” said Mary Moreland, JDRF executive director. “Our thanks go to Pilot for stepping up each year to facilitate this fundraiser.”
“Proceeds from the Duck Race fund programs that encourage academic success, healthy lifestyles and good character and citizenship for area youth,” said Lisa Hurst, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs. “A big thank-you goes to Pilot’s customers for their generosity in adopting ducks and to Pilot for being a longtime, faithful supporter of our organization.”
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., Pilot operates 40 convenience stores in Tennessee. For more information about Pilot, visit www.pilotflyingj.com.
