Bridgestone Americas Inc. reported record-breaking support for its 27th annual charitable and volunteer campaign in support of the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville.
Bridgestone, its employees, and its vendors generated donations of more than $2 million that will be used to make a positive impact on thousands of lives in the Nashville community.
“We are honored to continue our longstanding partnership with United Way of Metropolitan Nashville. These incredible efforts will help to strengthen the financial stability, personal health, and education of thousands of families in need throughout our hometown of Nashville,” says Gordon Knapp, Bridgestone Americas CEO and President. “The results of our 2019 United Way Campaign demonstrate the impact we can make when we work together to serve the communities in which we live, work and play, and are a testament to our global corporate social responsibility commitment, Our Way to Serve.”
The 2019 campaign was driven by employee participation with teammates not only pledging financial support, but donating their time to bring the campaign to life and make it a success. Bridgestone employees also took part in numerous volunteer activities through United Way with more than 200 Bridgestone employees attending the organization’s Stuff the Bus event that filled backpacks with donated school supplies for local elementary school children. Additionally, employees participated in United Way’s First Day of School, Second Harvest and YMCA Day events.
Approximately half of the funds raised were a direct result of pledges from more than 1,600 employees. The 3rd annual Bridgestone Charitable Golf Tournament and Bridgestone company match program contributed the remainder of the total. This year’s golf tournament was the largest to date, with donations up 36% and totaling more than $947,000. The tournament was supported by more than 140 vendor sponsorships and hosted 336 golfers during the two-day event.
“Our partnership with Bridgestone is a strong example of how organizations can collaborate to truly make a difference in the Nashville community,” says Brian Hassett, CEO and president of United Way of Metropolitan Nashville. “We’re grateful for Bridgestone’s leadership, its employees and their continued support over the years.”
To learn more about Bridgestone and its global corporate social responsibility commitment, Our Way to Serve, visit the website here.
