In just three days, “Pilot Celebrity Pumpers” raised $62,080 for United Way of Greater Knoxville, another fundraising record for the annual campaign.
The event, held at all Knox County Pilot locations on Oct. 4-6, featured more than 70 local officials, celebrities and media personalities pumping gas and greeting customers to raise funds for United Way of Greater Knoxville’s 2010 campaign. During the three-day event, Pilot donated five cents for every gallon of gasoline sold and 10 percent of all in-store sales to United Way.
“This event is a great way for the whole community to get involved in helping support United Way,” said Pilot Travel Centers President and CEO Jimmy Haslam. “We appreciate our many customers who stopped by our stores and made this donation possible and applaud our celebrity pumpers who took time out of their busy schedules to support this worthy cause.”
One lucky customer from each Pilot location won a $100 Pilot gas card during the event as well.
The University of Tennessee was well represented with Coach Bruce Pearl and Coach Pat Summitt pumping, as well as Women’s Athletic Director Joan Cronan and United Way Chairman and Athletic Director Mike Hamilton. Bob Kesling from the Vol Network was also on hand to pump.
Pilot Celebrity Pumpers started in 1995. This community-wide program is United Way of Greater Knoxville’s single-largest special event fundraiser and a highlight of the campaign each year.
“Pilot Celebrity Pumpers has become a signature event for United Way. It helps to help remind the community about our annual campaign and the important work United Way does in our community,” said United Way 2010 Campaign Chair Mike Hamilton, who pumped at the Cumberland Avenue Pilot. “It’s a team effort and my thanks go to the whole team; to Pilot for sponsoring this event, to the many celebrity pumpers that gave of their valuable time and to all the Pilot customers who participated.”
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., Pilot operates 40 convenience stores in Tennessee.
United Way of Greater Knoxville is a local, independent organization dedicated to improving lives by building a better community. In partnership with 50 agencies, local business, community leaders and ordinary citizens, United Way tackles issues that matter most. By working together, United Way provides a safety net of services addressing Knoxville’s most basic needs while working toward lasting change. For more information, please visit http://www.unitedwayknox.org.
