Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) today announced the renewal of its partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Over the past three years, BSRO has donated $3.8 million to Boys & Girls Clubs of America to help improve the lives of Club kids and teens nationwide through its Driving Great Futures initiative. The funds raised to-date support Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national Great Futures campaign and have helped reach more than 430,000 youth daily by providing a safe, productive place during critical out-of-school hours.
“Through our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America we have positively impacted the lives of kids and teens in local communities nationwide, helping to fulfill our vision to be the most trusted provider of tire and automotive care in every neighborhood we serve,” said Joe Venezia, president, BSRO. “As we enter into the fourth year of Driving Great Futures, we’ve set a goal to raise an additional $1 million to continue to make a difference in Club member’s lives. We plan to bring Driving Great Futures to life by providing grants to Clubs in need of transportation for members to travel to and from their Clubs.”
Through customer donations, vendor contributions and additional support, Clubs funded by BSRO have increased the number of teen members by 10 percent, increased the number of registered members by 7.2 percent and allowed more than 8,000 new youth to come to a Club. Research conducted by Boys & Girls Clubs of America shows that regular attendance and a high-quality Club experience means kids do better academically, become more engaged leaders and build stronger health and wellness skills.
“Through its Driving Great Futures campaign, BSRO has made a difference in the lives of Boys & Girls Club members nationwide by donating funds that provide access to critical services to the 4 million youth who come through our doors annually,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “We are thrilled to enter into our fourth year of partnership with BSRO and are grateful for the continued support of their leadership, employees and customers. Together, we will be able to make a tremendous impact.”
To learn more about BGCA’s Great Futures campaign, visit GreatFutures.org. To find out more about BSRO, visit bsro.com.
About Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC:
Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC (BSRO) is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., and operates the largest network of company-owned automotive service providers in the world — more than 2,200 tire and vehicle service centers across the United States — including Firestone Complete Auto Care, Tires Plus, Hibdon Tires Plus and Wheel Works store locations. Credit First National Association and Firestone Complete Fleet Care operations are also part of BSRO. BSRO is a member of the Bridgestone Americas family of companies.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, 4,300 Clubs serve 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at Facebook and Twitter.
