Kangaroo Express, Coca-Cola Raise $634,000 for Victory Junction
CARY, N.C. -- In its third annual fundraiser for the camp, The Pantry's Kangaroo Express will present a $634,000 donation to Victory Junction prior to the start of this Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The donation, raised through an in-store promotion with partnership support from Coca-Cola, will send more than 250 children to Victory Junction, a year-round camping environment for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.
Victory Junction, located in Randleman, N.C., was founded by former NASCAR driver Kyle and wife Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam, and has welcomed 13,000 children and families since opening in 2004.
"The Victory Junction camping experience empowers children by giving them a sense of independence through enrichment and camaraderie. The donation from Kangaroo Express and Coca-Cola, among the largest amount raised as a single fundraiser for Victory Junction, will have a significant impact in these children's lives," Kyle Petty said in a statement.
Brad Williams, vice president of operations for Kangaroo Express, added: "Victory Junction has captured the hearts of Kangaroo Express employees and we are thrilled to be able to expand our support again this year. Victory Junction provides a positive, ongoing impact on the children and families that attend camp. It is an honor for Kangaroo Express to support such a vibrant organization making a difference in the communities we serve."
Kangaroo Express stores in Charleston, S.C. first began raising funds for Victory Junction in 2009. Last year, the program was expanded to all stores in North Carolina and South Carolina. This year, the company further expanded the program by including stores in Virginia, and more than tripled the total donation made in 2010, according to the company.
"We look forward to supporting Victory Junction each year to provide a chance for kids with chronic medical conditions to enjoy an unforgettable summer camp and take a break from the challenges they face every day," said Dan Holmes, vice president of marketing, Coca-Cola Bottling Consolidated.
The cost of sending a child for one week to Victory Junction is $2,500, but no family incurs this expense thanks to support from corporate donors and volunteers.
Headquartered in Cary, N.C., The Pantry operates 1,672 stores in 13 states under select banners, including Kangaroo Express, its primary operating banner.