Bridgestone donates $1M to Boys/Girls Clubs

HOUSTON (Jan. 29, 2016) — Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) raised $1 million last year via its 2,200-plus retail stores for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA).

The organization said it will use the donation to fund programming to promote safe and productive spaces for kids and teens.

BSRO President Stu Crum presented a $1 million check to BGCA this week at the BSRO National Business Conference in Houston. Youth from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston's choir performed at the ceremony.

“At Bridgestone Retail Operations, we are committed to being the most trusted provider of automotive care in every neighborhood we serve, and I can't think of a better way to give back than supporting and uplifting local youth,” Mr. Crum said.

“Through our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we are helping pave the way for great futures by providing these deserving kids with the programs and services they need to achieve their fullest potential.”

Also present at the check presentation were BGCA President and CEO Jim Clark and Maryah Sullivan, the group's 2014-15 National Youth of the Year.

BSRO raised most of the funds through a “Driving Great Futures” partnership that launched last July 31 at BSRO's Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus and Wheel Works stores, where store personnel sold $5 Value Books with tire and automotive service savings and inviting customers to "round up" to the nearest dollar at checkout.

The funds raised will be used to support more than 4,100 Boys & Girls Clubs that serve more than 4 million young people annually through club membership and community outreach. Those customer contributions, collected through Dec. 31, coupled with donations from BSRO, totaled $1 million.

“We are proud to partner with Bridgestone Retail Operations for such an impactful cause campaign that will enable even more young people to achieve a great future,” Mr. Clark said.

Driving Great Futures aligns with BGCA's national “Great Futures Campaign,” which calls attention to the crisis facing kids and elevates the role of out-of-school time in reversing negative trends in the areas of poor academic performance, obesity, drug use and youth-related violence.