CARY, N.C. -- In its third annual fundraiser for Victory Junction camp, Kangaroo Express presented a $634,000 donation to Victory Junction prior to the start of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The donation, raised through an in-store promotion with partnership support from Coca-Cola, will send more than 250 children to Victory Junction, a year-round camping environment for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.
Victory Junction, located in Randleman, N.C., was founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam [image-nocss] and has welcomed 13,000 children and families since opening in 2004. "The Victory Junction camping experience empowers children by giving them a sense of independence through enrichment and camaraderie. The donation from Kangaroo Express and Coca-Cola, among the largest amount raised as a single fundraiser for Victory Junction, will have a significant impact in these children's lives," said Kyle Petty.
"Victory Junction has captured the hearts of Kangaroo Express employees and we are thrilled to be able to expand our support again this year," said Brad Williams, vice president of operations for Kangaroo Express. "Victory Junction provides a positive, ongoing impact on the children and families that attend camp. It is an honor for Kangaroo Express to support such a vibrant organization making a difference in the communities we serve."
Kangaroo Express stores in Charleston, S.C., first began raising funds for Victory Junction in 2009. In 2010 the program was expanded to all stores in North Carolina and South Carolina. This year, the company further expanded the program by including stores in Virginia and more than tripled the total donation from last year.
"We look forward to supporting Victory Junction each year to provide a chance for kids with chronic medical conditions to enjoy an unforgettable summer camp and take a break from the challenges they face every day," said Dan Holmes, vice president of marketing, Coca-Cola Bottling Consolidated.
The cost of sending a child for one week to Victory Junction is $2,500, but no family incurs this expense due to support from corporate donors and volunteers. Thanks to Kangaroo Express and Coca-Cola, hundreds of children will spend this summer creating inspiring moments of independence and joy while achieving milestones they never dreamt possible, while bonding, sometimes for the first time, with individuals just like them.
[Pictured (left to right): Pantry executives Danny Moore, Kevin Stevens and Brad Williams; Austin Petty.]Headquartered in Cary, N.C., The Pantry is the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States and one of the largest independently operated c-store chains in the country. As of May 9, 2011, it operated 1,659 stores in 13 states under select banners, including Kangaroo Express, its primary operating banner. The Pantry's stores offer a broad selection of merchandise, as well as gasoline and other ancillary services.
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