#United States #Nashville #Boys & Girls Clubs #Bridgestone #Giving Campaigns

Bridgestone's Milestone Partnership Celebration with Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Bridgestone Retail Operations, a key subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, is proudly commemorating the 10th anniversary of its "Driving Great Futures" initiative in collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). Over this decade, the partnership has successfully raised nearly $30 million, enhancing out-of-school programming for over 300,000 Club youth and their families since its inception in 2015.

To kick off this momentous anniversary, Bridgestone hosted a vibrant block party at the Andrew Jackson Clubhouse located in Nashville, Tennessee. The event was not only a celebration, but also a surprise opportunity for the Club kids and their families, featuring the unveiling of a brand new passenger van along with a generous unrestricted operational grant of $100,000 to BGCA. This grant is aimed at bolstering the organization's ongoing mission to provide safe and enriching experiences for youth.

Notable figures in attendance included former NFL MVP Cam Newton, who joined Bridgestone Retail Operations President Marko Ibrahim, BGCA President and CEO Jim Clark, and local leaders to engage with the kids, serve ice cream, and participate in games designed to inspire the youth.

Special Activities Planned

The milestone year will include a series of unique initiatives aimed at celebrating the partnership:

• - Ten Van Donations: In honor of the ten years, Bridgestone will donate ten passenger vans to clubs nationwide, fortifying their capacity to provide transportation for youth programs.
• - Car Care Academy: Bridgestone teammates will volunteer to teach Club kids vital vehicle maintenance skills through an engaging Car Care Academy, helping them understand the importance of cars and their upkeep.
• - America Needs Club Kids Campaign: Bridgestone will also promote BGCA’s new campaign in its retail locations across the country, reinforcing the message of community support and growth for Club kids.

Commitment to Community

Reflecting on the decade-long partnership, Marko Ibrahim expressed gratitude for theb incredible generosity it has inspired and the multitude of lives it has impacted. He emphasized the role of Boys & Girls Clubs in creating environments that shape promising futures for the youth—affording them safe, reliable access to essential opportunities.

Jim Clark, President and CEO of BGCA, echoed this sentiment, illustrating how the partnership has facilitated safe, dependable access for children to life-enhancing programs offered through Clubs.

Since its establishment, Bridgestone's national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America has aimed at addressing the significant transportation needs of Club youth and their families. Through more than 450 grants awarded across its expansive network of over 2,200 retail stores in the U.S., Bridgestone provides crucial funds for vehicle maintenance and repairs as well as technology purchases that support educational programming.

Looking Ahead

The commitment between Bridgestone and Boys & Girls Clubs of America stands as a testament to the importance of corporate social responsibility and its profound impact within communities. This enduring partnership not only uplifts the youth it serves but simultaneously strengthens community ties across the nation. To learn more about this impactful partnership, visit BGCA.org/Bridgestone.

As Bridgestone looks forward to the next decade, it remains steadfast in its dedication to helping youth gain access to opportunities that foster their development, aiming to turn aspirations into reality for countless kids across America.