ATLANTA -- Convenience store retailer RaceTrac Petroleum Inc. has announced that its cumulative giving to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research has exceeded $1 million. This milestone is due in large part to the continued efforts of team members who have executed various initiatives over the years encouraging the community to participate in and support a worthy cause.
"In four short years, RaceTrac has shown incredible generosity and commitment not only financially supporting our mission, but also helping us reach new friends across the southern United States with our message of research progress and real hope for a cure," said Sheila Kelly, vice president of development for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
RaceTrac first partnered with The Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2010 to help raise funds toward Parkinson's research by establishing its "Coffee for a Cause" promotion during April, which is National Parkinson's Awareness Month. For one week during April, RaceTrac donates proceeds from all coffee purchased in its convenience stores to the Foundation. The c-stores also donate proceeds from other purchases toward the cause all month while signage encourages customers to donate at the counter throughout April.
Building on the success of these promotions, the first RaceTrac's Run for Research 5K Fun Run in Atlanta took place in 2011. After three successful years, the company saw the opportunity to grow the event and held its inaugural run in the Dallas/Fort Worth area in 2014.
"Finding a cure for Parkinson's is near and dear to RaceTrac's team members and guests," said Allison Moran, RaceTrac CEO. "Our loyal guests and team members have made it possible for RaceTrac to reach this $1 million milestone and I could not be more grateful for their continued support as we aid The Michael J. Fox Foundation in their work toward finding a cure for Parkinson's disease."
RaceTrac's chairman, Carl Bolch Jr., was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2007 and currently sits on the foundation's 25-member Patient Council. His father, who founded the business in 1934, also had the disease.
"Combining his company's giving, his service on our Patient Council and his own personal giving, Carl has shown such dedication to our organization," said Kelly. "We continue to be grateful for all that he and RaceTrac do to help in our pursuit of a cure."
RaceTrac intends to continue raising funds toward Parkinson's research in April 2015.
Based in Atlanta, RaceTrac operates more than 365 convenience stores in Georgia, Florida, Louisiana and Texas.
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