October 19, 2009 -
Stripes, the retail arm of Corpus Christi, Texas-based Susser Holdings, was named the winner of the Grand Spirit Award for Community Outreach, a new retail industry award program launched by Convenience Store News this year.
The CSNews Spirit Awards for Community Outreach program celebrates convenience store retailers that are involved in community service programs aimed at bettering the lives of people in the markets they serve. Along with Stripes, these c-store chains also were named Spirit Award Winners in their specific categories:
All the winners will be honored in a special awards event in Houston Nov. 4.
Although Stripes supported many different types of community involvement, the focus of the giving centered on a specific purpose: improving the health and wellness of children in the communities Stripes serves.
Whether working with its national vendors to raise funds for large-scale community impact, or joining with team members and customers for in-store fundraising, Stripes' activities were marked by enthusiasm and creativity. And those activities were not just defined by the scope of the company's financial giving, but also by the personal participation of the entire Stripes family -- from CEO Sam Susser to store associates.
Some highlights of Stripes grand-award winning entry:
Moody High School Business Program: This year, the Corpus Christi Independent School District, Stripes, Del Mar College and Foy H. Moody High School partnered to develop a career preparation course designed to expose Moody students in the Business & Professional Academy to real-life work experiences. This partnership encourages students to explore and assess career possibilities within the business world while allowing them to earn Del Mar College credit during high school. The partnership steers students into continued educational and professional development by providing a clear pathway toward becoming full-time employees of Stripes, or Del Mar College students upon graduation from high school.
Stripes Turf & Surf Golf & Fishing Tournament: Each year, Stripes invites its vendors and suppliers to join in a golf and fishing tournament to raise funds for all of the communities in which it operates. For 2008, the retailer identified United Way as its beneficiary. The total fundraising for the event last year was $312,618.
Nueces County Keach Library Book Drive: When Stripes heard the local library needed help collecting books for a summer reading program called "Dia de Los Ninos," the retailer held a one-day book drive at the company's support center. The drive featured radio remote and TV coverage asking listeners and viewers to join the donation event with new or used books in hand. Stripes embraced this cause -- even holding a competition to see which department could collect the most books. Stripes mascots, cheerleaders from a local sports franchise, community members and a prize wheel gave a festive atmosphere at this event, which far exceeded the company's target.
Driscoll Children's Hospital Radiothon: In February 2009, three local radio stations across the Rio Grande Valley encouraged listeners to stop by their local Stripes store to make a donation to the children's hospital. The Radiothon was a great success, raising $125,000. Stripes management and staff were on location at the radio stations answering phones and recording the public's donations. Fifteen live radio remotes were set up at Stripes stores.
Operation Paint Brush: This national effort to improve the homes of low-income or handicapped elderly citizens has been a long-standing annual project for Stripes. Every year, Stripes volunteers give up a Saturday to hammer boards, scrape siding and roll on a new coat of paint for the homes of a few citizens in need. More than 50 Stripes employees assisted Operation Paint Brush this year -- not counting the Stripes maintenance crews who set-up and prepped the sites before painters arrived.
March of Dimes Mobile Campaign: Mobile campaigns are important to Stripes because of their ability to create a direct company partnership with customers to raise funds for deserving causes. In 2008, store managers and cashiers went above and beyond the call of duty, raising $316,000 by asking customers to donate to the March of Dimes Foundation. Promotional coupons were given to customers as incentives to donate $1 or more to the cause.
2009 Children's Miracle Network Mobile Campaign: This year, Stripes was able to raise $386,000 for Children's Miracle Network, which supports more than 170 children's hospitals across the country. That figure was almost double the $197,000 raised in 2008.
Slush Monkey School Certificates: Stripes partners with local schools to provide incentives for educational achievement. At the end of each grading period, Stripes sends out "Outstanding Master Slush Monkey" certificates for school officials to disburse to students for academic achievement. The certificate is attached with a free Slush Monkey coupon, providing a fun, positive incentive for kids to do their best.
A Commitment to Children's Health Care: Stripes provides ongoing funding for Driscoll Children's Hospital's Child Life Program, an innovative program that helps kids cope with a wide range of health care experiences including grief and bereavement support, explanation of diagnoses or treatments, facilitating medical play sessions and educational lessons, and family support during times of poor health or loss. The hospital will hold an upcoming ceremony to name the program the Stripes Child Life Program at Driscoll Children's Hospital.
The company also rewards its employees for their commitment to these causes with an annual picnic celebrating Stripes' culture of sharing, and its many character mascots that portray various Stripes' products are mainstays, adding fun at community events, parades and grand openings.
This year is special for Convenience Store News, as it marks the 40th year of publication, making it the longest continuously published news source for the convenience store industry.
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