NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Bridgestone Retail Operations, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, has launched a two-week fundraising competition with NFL players from Tight End University (TEU) to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
The campaign is the latest in the Bridgestone Driving Great Futures partnership, which has raised more than $20 million to support Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide since its inception in 2015.
"We are incredibly proud of the $20 million milestone because it demonstrates the profound impact we can make when we work together to build a better future for the next generation," BSRO President Marko Ibrahim said.
"Through customer, employee and partner donations, the Bridgestone Driving Great Futures program has helped address critical transportation and technology needs at Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. We are excited to capitalize on this momentum and partner with Tight End University to raise even more dollars for local Club kids."
Starting June 6, NFL players participating in the 2022 TEU Summit, taking place in Nashville on June 22-24, will begin a digital fundraising competition to raise donations for the youth organization.
Players will compete to see who can raise the most funds for their hometown Boys & Girls Club. The competition will culminate at the TEU Summit June 23, where the top fundraiser will be announced and an additional $50,000 awarded to their hometown Boys & Girls Club.
TEU, which has previously partnered with Bridgestone to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America, provides a venue for the country's top tight ends to build camaraderie, share ideas and make an impact in their communities.
"One of the best parts of TEU is our commitment to give back to the local community," said Travis Kelce, NFL tight end and TEU co-founder.
"We're excited to be working with our great partners for year two to help raise funds for the Boys & Girls Club and have a ton of fun with the BGCA young people."
In 2015, Bridgestone established its national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America with the mission of making out-of-school programming more accessible to Club youth and their families. Through donations collected at the company's 2,200-plus retail stores, Bridgestone has contributed more than $20 million to address transportation-related needs, including maintenance and repairs of existing Club vehicles and the purchase of 51 new vans, as well as bridge technology divides through the purchase of new computers and hotspots that support in-person Club programming, virtual classroom learning and other technology infrastructure needs.
"As Boys & Girls Clubs continue to offer safe spaces, positive mentors and life-enhancing experience for young people, we are grateful for Bridgestone's continued support to address critical mobility and technology needs," said Jim Clark, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "Not only has this partnership made Clubs more accessible to youth, but these efforts have strengthened our organization's mission to help kids and teens realize their full potential."
The Bridgestone Driving Great Futures partnership aligns with the Bridgestone E8 Commitment that consists of eight Bridgestone-like values starting with the letter "E" to realize a sustainable society, the company said. The Driving Great Futures initiative is an example of the company's commitment to "Empowerment," which is defined as contributing to a society that ensures accessibility and dignity for all and "Emotion," defined as inspiring excitement and spreading joy to the world of mobility.
