Neighbor News
Kangaroo Express Rallies to Send Kids to Kyle Petty's Victory Junction
More than 500 Kangaroo Express stores across three states will raise funds to send children to camp at no cost to their families
Kangaroo Express, the leading independently operated convenience store chain in the southeastern United States, operated by The Pantry, Inc. (Nasdaq: PTRY), today announced it is partnering with Coca-Cola® in rallying to send children to Victory Junction, a year-round camping environment for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses for the seventh year in a row.
From March 4 to April 7, more than 500 Kangaroo Express convenience stores across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia will encourage guests to donate $1 at the register to support Victory Junction. Select restaurants at Kangaroo Express stores will also participate in the fundraising effort.
Coca-Cola will join Kangaroo Express to announce the total funds raised for Victory Junction at the NASCAR All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 16.
Victory Junction was founded in 2004 by the Petty family in honor of Adam Petty. The camp relies solely on donations from individuals and corporations like Kangaroo Express to give children a life-changing camping experience. For $2,500, one child has the chance to attend camp for a week at no cost to his or her family.
“For the seventh consecutive year, we are thrilled to support Victory Junction’s commitment to giving seriously ill children the opportunity to enjoy just being kids,” said Gordon Schmidt, senior vice president of operations, Kangaroo Express. “Last year alone, generous donations from store guests sent 200 kids to summer camp. We look forward continuing this fundraising effort to help make a positive impact on the lives of another group of campers this summer.”
To rally fans behind the cause, the Victory Junction Pink Truck, donated by country music star Taylor Swift, will tour across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, creating a cause for celebration at each Kangaroo Express store it visits. During each tour stop, guests can enjoy a 16-oz fountain drink and grill item combo for 50 cents. Fans can follow the Pink Truck Tour using the #Roo4VJ hashtag on the Kangaroo Express Facebook and Twitter pages.
“Victory Junction provides wonderful, life-changing experiences for children with chronic medical conditions, and Coca-Cola is proud to continue its partnership with Kangaroo Express to support this goal,” said Derek Pope, director of sales, Coca-Cola Refreshment. “It is truly an honor for Coca-Cola to support Victory Junction, an organization that is making a real difference in the lives of the children and families in the communities we serve.”
Kangaroo Express stores in Charleston, South Carolina, first began raising funds for Victory Junction in 2009 and have since expanded to three states. Donations have totaled nearly $3.5 million since the inaugural fundraising effort and have enabled Kangaroo Express to send 1,300 children to summer camp.
As a result of Kangaroo Express’ donations, Victory Junction has been able to aid pediatric burn survivors and children with neurological and genetic disorders, craniofacial anomalies, sickle cell and skin disease.
“We always look forward to giving campers a chance to experience fun, friendship and enrichment, and this year is no different,” said Mark Schumacher, chief development officer, Victory Junction. “Through the generous support of corporate partners like Kangaroo Express, no family need worry about how to pay for an unforgettable experience for their child.”
About Victory Junction
Victory Junction is a year-round camping environment for children, ages six to 16, with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Founded by the Petty family, in honor of Adam Petty, the camp is located in Randleman, N.C. Victory Junction offers programs for a range of disease groups and maintains strong relationships with more than 30 partner hospitals. Victory Junction’s mission is to provide life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment, always free of charge. As a not-for-profit organization, the camp operates solely through the support of generous individuals, foundations, organizations and corporations to provide this experience at no charge to children and their families. Since the camp’s inception, more than 21,500 children and families have received not only a circle of support but experiences thought to only be possible by healthy children. Victory Junction is a member of the SeriousFun Children’s Network of Camps founded by Paul Newman, and is accredited by the rigorous guidelines of the American Camping Association. To learn more about visit www.victoryjunction.org.
About The Pantry and Kangaroo Express
The Pantry’s Kangaroo Express® convenience stores meet the daily food and fuel shopping needs of guests. As of Dec. 18, 2014, the Company operated 1,512 stores in thirteen states under select banners, including its primary operating banner Kangaroo Express. The Pantry is one of the nation’s largest convenience store chains and the leading independently operated chain in the southeastern United States. The Pantry is headquartered in Cary, N.C. For more information, visit www.thepantry.com.
Kangaroo Express offers hot and cold beverages, snacks, fresh foods, gasoline and a wide assortment of merchandise and services for guests’ on-the-go lifestyles. It is home to more than 230 foodservice restaurants, including Dairy Queen, Little Caesars and Subway. Kangaroo Express associates are committed to providing store guests with the fastest, friendliest and cleanest shopping experience and embracing communities with campaigns such as Salute Our Troops®, raising millions of dollars for military support organizations. For more information, visit www.kangarooexpress.com or visit us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
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Media Contact
Sarah Haas
Largemouth Communications (on behalf of The Pantry)
sarah@largemouthpr.com
919-459-6457