October 18, 2019
Pilot donated $97,186 to the United Way of Greater Knoxville thanks to the support of community members who purchased gas and other items at Knox County Pilot Convenience Stores during “Pilot Celebrity Pumpers.” The 2019 fundraiser tally surpassed the previous record of $97,173 set in 2018.
From Oct. 14-16, local celebrities, including elected officials, media personalities and University of Tennessee representatives, pumped gas and greeted customers to help Pilot raise funds for United Way. During the three-day event, Pilot donated 5 cents of every gallon of gas and 10 cents of every dollar spent in-store to the United Way of Greater Knoxville’s 2019 annual campaign.
Pilot founder and chairman Jim Haslam II reveals the final Pilot Pumpers 2019 donation amount to United Way of Greater Knoxville CEO Ben Landers.
“Each year we become more in awe of the dedication that the community has to giving back,” said Jim Haslam II, founder and chairman of Pilot. “We want to thank our guests who fueled up and visited our convenience stores throughout the campaign. We also want to thank our celebrity pumpers who volunteered their time and our Pilot team members who supported this worthy cause. The United Way of Greater Knoxville will use these funds to help our neighbors in need.”
Haslam revealed the 2019 donation amount to United Way representatives on Oct. 18 at the Pilot Convenience Store located at 1826 Western Ave., in Knoxville. “Pilot Pumpers” continues to be the United Way’s single-largest special event fundraiser, helping the organization assist those most in need in our community. Since its inception, Pilot Pumpers has raised more than $1.5 million for United Way of Greater Knoxville.
Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs were among the celebrity pumpers, along with members of the Knoxville City Council, Knox County Commission and Knox County School Board and media personalities. Sports figures also participated, including Michael Annett, NASCAR driver for Pilot Flying J Racing; Lady Vols Basketball Head Coach Kellie Harper; and the UT Spirit Squad.
“We appreciate everyone who supported this event and for Pilot’s longtime commitment to the community through the annual Pilot Pumpers campaign,” United Way of Greater Knoxville CEO Ben Landers said. “This donation will have a lasting impact on our community and will allow our partner agencies to implement life-changing programs and initiatives.”
About Pilot
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pilot operates 38 convenience stores in Tennessee.
