American Tire Distributors (ATD) announced it increased its commitment to the Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need. This year, ATD and Tire Pros are working together to raise $1.5 million, a 50% increase from 2021, to the Foundation through its “Summer for Heroes Giving Campaign.”
The campaign launched June 1 and ran through Aug. 31. In addition to raising money toward this $1.5 million goal directly on the campaign website, ATD also hosted a 5K for Heroes associates’ fundraiser on Sept. 10, and will host the Second Annual Gala for Heroes on Oct. 16, and the 32nd Annual Golf Classic to support GSF on Oct. 17. These events will include an appearance from Gary Sinise, a presentation of ATD’s donation to the Foundation, and a performance by the Lt. Dan Band.
ATD says as part of the campaign, JR Motorsports, professional race car driver Josh Berry, and Tire Pros teamed up to raise awareness of the cause. Berry’s No. 8 Chevrolet featured special colors and ATD’s Summer for Heroes logo on the hood and quarter panels during the NASCAR Xfinity Series at The Glen in New York on Saturday, Aug. 20 and at the Daytona International Speedway’s Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola on Friday, Aug. 26.
“It is an enormous honor to expand our support of the Gary Sinise Foundation with this year’s Summer for Heroes campaign,” said Stuart Schuette, president and CEO of ATD. “At ATD, we’re passionate about helping first responders, veterans, and their families. We acknowledge that our nation’s heroes face challenges – both physical and mental wellness – so if we can help even one person with our donation, then we know our efforts were a tremendous success.”
In partnership with ATD’s associates, manufacturers, vendor partners, and customers, the donations raised during the Summer for Heroes will help fund three Gary Sinise Foundation programs including:
- Relief & Resiliency: This program offers support for service members, first responders and veterans, as well as their families, before, during and after battle. As part of Relief & Resiliency, Snowball Express helps maintain traditions for children of fallen military heroes by providing fun experiences in an emotionally safe, warm and inclusive environment. In addition, working closely with the Boulder Crest Foundation as part of the Foundation’s mental health initiatives, Boulder Crest uses its signature PATHH programs and the science of Posttraumatic Growth to promote recovery in the aftermath of their trauma.
- First Responders Outreach: By funding essential equipment, PPE, emergency relief and training for first responders, this program helps them perform to the best of their abilities.
- R.I.S.E.: Short for Restoring Independence, Supporting Empowerment, this program provides specially adapted smart homes and vehicles, home modifications and mobility devices for wounded heroes.
To learn more or contribute to ATD’s Summer for Heroes click here.
