KNOXVILLE – Pilot Convenience Stores presented checks totaling more than $81,000 to two East Tennessee nonprofit organizations on Aug. 23 at the Pilot Convenience Store in Rocky Hill at 7686 S. Northshore Drive in Knoxville.

Pilot Convenience Stores donated $65,000 to Muscular Dystrophy Association of Greater East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia (MDA) at Pilot’s Rocky Hill location on Aug. 23. The funds were raised through the annual Shamrocks Against Dystrophy campaign in April and the yearly Pilot/MDA Golf Classic in May. Pictured from left are Pilot Vice President of Operations Dan Fleming and Amanda Spiehler, MDA national director of corporate development and retail partnerships - Image courtesy of Pilot Flying J.

The first, a $65,000 check to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Greater East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia (MDA), represents funds raised through the 2018 Shamrocks Against Dystrophy campaign in April and the annual Pilot/MDA Golf Classic on May 14. During the Shamrocks Against Dystrophy campaign, funds were raised through the sale of $1 paper shamrocks at Knoxville-area Pilot convenience stores. During this time, Pilot guests also could “round-up” their purchase to the nearest dollar and donate the additional amount to MDA.

Pilot Convenience Stores donated $16,482 to Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville at Pilot’s Rocky Hill location on Aug. 23. Pilot guests and team members raised the funds through a two-week campaign in July that invited guests to round up purchases to the next dollar. Pictured from left are Pilot Vice President of Operations Dan Fleming and Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville Executive Director Elizabeth Ritchie and board member John “JT” Thomas. - Image courtesy of Pilot Flying J.

Pilot also presented a $16,482 check to Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville. Funds were raised from July 17-30, also by offering guests at Knoxville-area Pilot convenience stores the opportunity to “round-up” their purchase to the nearest dollar, donating the additional amount to the nonprofit.

“These campaigns are successful for two reasons: our generous guests who donate and our team members at stores across East Tennessee who enthusiastically support the programs,” said Dan Fleming, vice president of operations for Pilot. “Pilot has raised money for muscular dystrophy research for more than 30 years, and now we’re adding autism support services to the growing list of critical causes that our team members and guests support. We’re thankful for these partnerships and the volunteer spirit in our community.”

Funds donated to MDA directly support the East Tennessee families through services such as summer camps, therapy and clinic visits.

“We greatly appreciate the generosity of the community and Pilot for helping make these fundraisers so successful,” said Amanda Spiehler, national director of corporate development and retail partnerships for MDA. “MDA strives to make a meaningful impact in the lives of families affected by the disease, and this donation will support programs in our 39-county service area encompassing Knoxville and beyond.”

Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville provides autism support services, such as in-home support, therapeutic recreation programs, community-based activities including job skill development and more.

“Partnering with Pilot is a wonderful resource for our organization, and we were immediately struck by the generosity of their guests in supporting this fundraiser,” said Elizabeth Ritchie, executive director of Autism Breakthrough of Knoxville. “We are so grateful to Pilot team members who led this campaign and every customer who rounded up their purchase. Even small amounts can add up to big differences for Autism Breakthrough and the families we serve.”

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pilot operates 38 convenience stores in Tennessee.

MDA is leading the fight to free individuals – and the families who love them – from the harm of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases that take away physical strength, independence and life. We use our collective strength to help kids and adults live longer and grow stronger by finding research breakthroughs across diseases; caring for individuals from day one; and empowering families with services and support in East Tennessee and SW Virginia. Learn how you can fund cures, find care and champion the cause at www.mda.org.

Founded by parents of children with autism, Breakthrough Corporation, a non-profit agency, is changing the way autism services are provided in Tennessee. The organization offers residential services; in-home support; personal assistance; day services; a Saturday therapeutic recreation program; community-based activities focusing on lifelong education, job skill development and community integration; and a social group for adults with Asperger’s Syndrome. Breakthrough is supported by individual donors, foundations and local, state and federal governments. For more information, visit www.breakthroughknoxville.com.

Source: Moxley Carmichael