HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — American Tire Distributors (ATD) and its customers, vendors and associates raised $1.8 million this fall for the Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF), a charity that supports veterans, active-duty military and first responders, and their families.
ATD's donation was issued as a matching challenge gift for Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement occurring annually on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. An additional $1.6 million was raised during that Giving Tuesday campaign..
ATD's donation will support four GSF initiatives:
- Mental health and wellness programs, including post-traumatic growth programs, traumatic brain injury research, substance abuse treatment, therapy animal training and placement and support services for widows and children of fallen heroes;
- Building custom, mortgage-free smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders, allowing them to live more comfortably and independently;
- Support programs and experiences for families of fallen heroes; and
- Providing training and equipment grants for first responders to help them serve and protect their communities, as well as appreciation and recognition events.
Stuart Schuette, president and CEO of ATD called it an "exceptional honor to join together with our partners to support the Foundation's work as they provide resources for those who put their lives on the line for our country."
"Honoring our everyday heroes is one of the key tenants of ATD's weCare values, and this gift reaffirms our commitment to giving back to these brave men, women, and families. We hope this contribution will make a positive change in the lives of many."
ATD kicked off its fundraising campaign on Memorial Day, beginning with a 5K for Heroes fundraiser for associates and their families. Throughout the summer, ATD customers, partners and Tire Pros subsidiaries supported the campaign through direct contributions or through point-of-purchase donations from their own customers.
ATD and GSF also partnered to host First Responder Appreciation Day in September, a free community event in Charlotte, that honored first responders with family activities and a performance by the Lt. Dan Band. The campaign culminated in October with the company's third annual Gala and Golf for Heroes events, sponsored by ATD's vendors and manufacturing partners.
Actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise said because of ATD and GSF donors, "we are able to provide and expand our numerous programs and opportunities to support the brave men and women who work to ensure our communities and our country are safe."
ATD has contributed more than $4.5 million to the charity organization since the partnership began in 2019.
