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Pilot
Flying J Announces $1 Million Donation
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to
American Heart Association
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Surpasses goal to raise $1 million
throughout February
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in support of American Heart Association
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Knoxville,
TN – March 2019 / Newsmaker Alert / Pilot
Flying J announces the amount raised in support of the American
Heart Association’s “Life Is Why We Give™” campaign, presenting a total
of $1,068,243 to the organization at a celebration at the Pilot Travel
Center on Strawberry Plains Pike near the company’s headquarters in Knoxville,
Tennessee.
In
honor of American Heart Month, Pilot Flying J and its network of travel
centers and convenience stores partnered with guests across the country
to support the American Heart Association's mission to be a relentless
force for a world of longer, healthier lives. The contribution exceeds
the company's goal of raising $1 million during the month of February,
surpassing the $981,000 it raised in 2018.
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This
donation places Pilot Flying J third among top national fundraisers for
the AHA's “Life Is Why
We Give™” campaign.
“It
is always a source of pride to support great organizations such as the
American Heart Association, and I am overwhelmed by the combined efforts
of our Pilot Flying J team members and guests to make such a big impact
for the cause of heart health,” said Mike Rodgers, senior vice president
and chief strategy & information officer at Pilot Flying J. “We set
a lofty goal, and we're thrilled we reached it. But our true hope is that
participating in this campaign has raised awareness and action in pursuing
heart health and helping those impacted by heart disease and stroke. On
behalf of everyone at Pilot Flying J, I extend a huge thanks for all of
the support.”
In
February, Pilot Flying J’s fundraising initiatives included the sale of
paper hearts for $1, $3 or $5 and the ability for guests to round-up their
purchases to the next dollar at the more than 650 Pilot and Flying J locations
in the U.S. Guests could also donate through a link on the Pilot Flying
J website. The company also featured exclusive offers in the Pilot Flying
J mobile app for free healthier food and beverage items with the purchase
of a $5 paper heart.
To
celebrate American Heart Month and an early Valentine’s Day, Pilot Flying
J partnered with University of Tennessee (UT) student-athletes and the
American Heart Association to surprise patients at UT Medical Center’s
Heart Hospital. The student-athletes delivered red balloons, cards signed
by Pilot Flying J team members and $50 Pilot Flying J gift cards to help
fuel each patient’s journey toward better health.
“Pilot
Flying J’s team has again gone above and beyond in supporting our mission
through this campaign,” said David Markiewicz, executive vice president
for the American Heart Association’s Greater Southeast Affiliate. “The
generous support of companies like Pilot Flying J make a significant impact
on the American Heart Association’s programs and initiatives. The team
created a great combination of fundraising measures and even found the
time to spread goodwill to current heart patients. We appreciate all of
the Pilot Flying J guests and team members who made this donation a reality.”
Giving
back to the communities in which we operate has been a core value of Pilot
Flying J since the beginning. To learn more about the company's giving
back programs, visit www.pilotflyingj.com/giving-back.
About
Pilot Flying J
Pilot
Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers in North America,
is committed to connecting people and places with comfort, care and a smile
at every stop. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pilot Flying J has
more than 750 retail locations in 44 states, Roadside assistance available
at over 135 locations nationwide and growing as part of its Truck Care
program, 44 Goodyear Commercial Tire and Service Centers, and 34 Boss Shops.
The Pilot Flying J network provides drivers with access to more than 72,000
parking spaces for trucks with Prime Parking at more than 400 locations,
5,200 deluxe showers and more than 6,200 diesel lanes with 5,200 offering
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) at the pump. Pilot Flying J is currently ranked
No. 14 on Forbes’ list of America’s Largest Private Companies. Visit www.pilotflyingj.com
for more information.
About
Life Is Why We Give™
We
all deserve to live a long, healthy and happy life. However, heart disease
and stroke are robbing too many of us from this innate entitlement. The
American
Heart Association is working to ensure that everyone has an opportunity
to live their best life. When people donate or purchase goods and services
that benefit the AHA from our Life
is Why We Give cause supporters, it puts us closer to the quality of
life we all deserve. Life Is Why We Give allows consumers to think about
their reasons to live healthier, longer lives and to give in honor of those
reasons. Too long, heart disease and stroke have stolen our precious moments.
It’s time we fight back together and affirm that we’re more powerful than
these diseases… because everyone has a reason to live a longer, healthier
life… and that reason is why we give.
Media
Contact:
Stephanie
Myers
External
Communications Supervisor
Pilot
Flying J
865-474-4096 |