Pilot Flying J raised money for the American Heart Association through mobile app offers, among other fundraising strategies.
Pilot Flying J raised $1,068,243 for the American Heart Association’s (AHA) “Life Is Why We Give” campaign.
The contribution exceeds the company’s goal of raising $1 million during the month of February, surpassing the $981,000 it raised in 2018.
The company presented the donation at a celebration at the Pilot Travel Center on Strawberry Plains Pike near the company’s headquarters in Knoxville, Tenn.
The donation puts Pilot Flying J in third place among top national fundraisers for the AHA’s “Life Is Why We Give” campaign.
“It is always a source of pride to support great organizations such as the American Heart Association, and I am overwhelmed by the combined efforts of our Pilot Flying J team members and guests to make such a big impact for the cause of heart health,” said Mike Rodgers, Pilot Flying J senior vice president and chief strategy & information officer. “We set a lofty goal, and we’re thrilled we reached it. But our true hope is that participating in this campaign has raised awareness and action in pursuing heart health and helping those impacted by heart disease and stroke. On behalf of everyone at Pilot Flying J, I extend a huge thanks for all of the support.”
In February, Pilot Flying J’s fundraising initiatives included the sale of paper hearts for $1, $3 or $5 and the ability for customers to round-up their purchases to the next dollar at the more than 650 Pilot and Flying J locations in the U.S.
Customers could also donate through a link on the Pilot Flying J website.
The company also featured exclusive offers in the Pilot Flying J mobile app for free healthier food and beverage items with the purchase of a $5 paper heart.
Pilot Flying J also partnered with University of Tennessee student athletes and the AHA to surprise patients at UT Medical Center’s Heart Hospital.
The student-athletes delivered red balloons, cards signed by Pilot Flying J team members and $50 Pilot Flying J gift cards.
“Pilot Flying J’s team has again gone above and beyond in supporting our mission through this campaign,” said David Markiewicz, executive vice president for the AHA’s Greater Southeast Affiliate. “The generous support of companies like Pilot Flying J make a significant impact on the American Heart Association’s programs and initiatives. The team created a great combination of fundraising measures and even found the time to spread goodwill to current heart patients. We appreciate all of the Pilot Flying J guests and team members who made this donation a reality.”