CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Oct. 22, 2013) — American Tire Distributors (ATD) recently gave $170,000 in charitable gifts to three organizations, including $100,000 to Boundless Playgrounds and $35,000 each to Charlotte-area charities Angles and Sparrows Soup Kitchen and Charlotte Bridge Home.
The gifts were announced at the company's 24th Annual ATD Charity Classic golf tournament, an event that has raised more than $1.2 million for local and national nonprofit organizations, ATD said. This year's donations included contributions from vendors participating in the golf tournament and a contribution from ATD.
"We've been a member of the Charlotte community for over 75 years, and we believe it's absolutely essential to support groups that help address the important needs of our community," said ATD President and CEO William Berry. "We are also proud to once again support Boundless Playgrounds and its mission of inclusive play for all children,"
Mr. Berry thanked all the vendors who participated and helped make it possible "to support this year's worthy recipients."
ATD's donation of $100,000 to Boundless Playgrounds will support the construction of two Tread Town playgrounds, which will be built in early 2014. ATD said the playgrounds will be modeled after the seven Tread Towns that ATD and its subsidiary Tire Pros have opened in the past four years. The existing playgrounds are located in the Charlotte, N.C.; Jackson, Miss.; Memphis, Tenn.; Lakewood, Calif.; Savannah, Ga.; Massillon, Ohio; and Pasco, Wash.
Each Tread Town's playground is constructed from recycled rubber, ATD said, creating a universally accessible surface that allows children and caregivers with and without disabilities to enjoy the playground freely and safely. The playground has wheelchair access to the highest platforms, features exclusive Tread Town tire swings and other fitness and educational-based activities.
"Nearly 7 million children nationwide have a disability that prohibits them from enjoying the full experience of a traditional community playground," said Lisa Moore of Boundless Playgrounds.
"Our playgrounds are designed to put all children in the middle of the fun, where they can play together and learn to appreciate each others' abilities."
ATD also donated $35,000 to Huntersville, N.C.-based Angels and Sparrows Soup Kitchen in Huntersville, N.C., a group dedicated to fighting hunger in Huntersville and the adjacent towns of Cornelius and Davidson.
"This donation comes at a great time," said Sandy Tilley, executive director of Angels and Sparrows Soup Kitchen. "As we enter the holiday season and the winter months, ATD's generosity will allow us to serve thousands of meals to members of the community in need."
ATD's donation to Charlotte Bridge Home will go toward helping Charlotte military veterans successfully transition home after military service. ATD said the organization assists these veterans by identifying their education, employment and healthcare needs and connecting them to available community, state and federal resources.
"ATD's generous contribution will make an immediate and significant impact on the lives of many Charlotte area veterans," said Cindi Basenspiler, executive director of Charlotte Bridge Home.
"Our mission is to enable veterans and their families to successfully pursue their dreams of building a healthy and productive life in the Charlotte region. Companies like ATD are key partners and their support allows us to support those that have served our country."