When it comes to supporting communities across the country, we believe it's all about building momentum. Since 2015, Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) has partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of America through the Driving Great Futures initiative.
Fundraising has always been at the heart of this partnership, but in 2018, we doubled our fundraising total from 2017. We raised $2.8 million in 2018, and we’re not slowing down!
Just like Boys & Girls Clubs of America brings together youth through community outreach and development programs, the Driving Great Futures fundraising effort brings together people from all over the country. The majority of contributions collected in 2018 were the result of in-store donations made by customers like you. Thanks!
Additional support was received from Credit First National Association, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, Interstate Batteries, Shell, and ITW/QMI. In addition to financial support, BSRO employees across the nation invested more than 2,000 volunteer hours to keep the Driving Great Futures program moving forward.
“This record-breaking contribution would not be possible without the generosity and commitment of our customers, employees and partners. Because of their support, Bridgestone is helping ensure kids have reliable transportation to and from their local Club,” said Joe Venezia, president, BSRO.
“We are proud to collaborate with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to help address the challenges local clubs face each day while exemplifying Our Way to Serve, the Bridgestone corporate social responsibility commitment to improving the way young people live, move and play.”
In 2018, BSRO awarded 81 transportation grants to Boys & Girls Clubs across the United States. Ten of those grants supported the purchase of new passenger vans outfitted with Bridgestone DriveGuard tires, and the remaining grants supported the transportation needs of Clubs who, on average, serve a combined 71,000 youth each day, and nearly 800,000 youth each year. In August, BSRO also spent five days gathering and delivering more than 2,500 school supply items to the Boys & Girls Club of Cleveland Park, located near Bridgestone Americas’ Nashville headquarters.
“Bridgestone consistently demonstrates its commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs by developing unique programs that contribute to our mission to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Won’t you join us on our mission of creating bright futures? Visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care to get trusted tire and automotive service make a small contribution to the Driving Great Futures program. Together, we can make 2019 the best year yet for young people across the country.
