RaceTrac reaches $1 Million Milestone In Giving to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

ATLANTA, July 28, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- RaceTrac announced that its cumulative giving to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research has exceeded $1 million. This milestone is due in large part to the continued efforts of their team members who have executed various initiatives over the years encouraging the community to participate in and support a worthy cause.

"In four short years, RaceTrac has shown incredible generosity and commitment not only financially supporting our mission, but also helping us reach new friends across the southern United States with our message of research progress and real hope for a cure," said Sheila Kelly, vice president of development, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

RaceTrac first partnered with The Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2010 to help raise funds toward Parkinson's research by establishing its "Coffee for a Cause" promotion during April — National Parkinson's Awareness Month. For one week during April, proceeds from all coffee purchased at RaceTrac are donated to the Foundation. The store also donates proceeds from other purchases toward the cause all month while signage encourages guests to donate at the counter throughout April. Building on the success of these promotions, the first RaceTrac's Run for Research 5K Fun Run in Atlanta took place in 2011. After three successful years, the company saw the opportunity to grow the event and held its inaugural run in the Dallas/Fort Worth area in 2014.

"Finding a cure for Parkinson's is near and dear to RaceTrac's team members and guests," said Allison Moran, RaceTrac CEO. "Our loyal guests and team members have made it possible for RaceTrac to reach this $1 million milestone and I could not be more grateful for their continued support as we aid The Michael J. Fox Foundation in their work toward finding a cure for Parkinson's disease."

RaceTrac's Chairman of the Board, Carl Bolch Jr., was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2007 and currently sits on the Foundation's 25-member Patient Council. His father, who founded the business in 1934, also had the disease.

"Combining his company's giving, his service on our Patient Council and his own personal giving, Carl has shown such dedication to our organization," said Kelly. "We continue to be grateful for all that he and RaceTrac do to help in our pursuit of a cure."

RaceTrac intends to continue raising funds toward Parkinson's research in April 2015.

About The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
As the world's largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to accelerating a cure for Parkinson's disease and improved therapies for those living with the condition today. The Foundation pursues its goals through an aggressively funded, highly targeted research program coupled with active global engagement of scientists, Parkinson's patients, business leaders, clinical trial participants, donors and volunteers.  In addition to funding more than $450 million in research to date, the Foundation has fundamentally altered the trajectory of progress toward a cure. Operating at the hub of worldwide Parkinson's research, the Foundation forges groundbreaking collaborations with industry leaders, academic scientists and government research funders; increases the flow of participants into Parkinson's disease clinical trials with its online tool, Fox Trial Finder; promotes Parkinson's awareness through high-profile advocacy, events and outreach; and coordinates the grassroots involvement of thousands of Team Fox members around the world.

For more information, visit us on the Web, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

About RaceTrac
Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, RaceTrac has been serving guests since 1934 and now operates more than 365 convenience store locations in Georgia, Florida, Louisiana and Texas. In January 2012, RaceTrac introduced its new 6,000 square foot store design, featuring 24 hour Swirl World frozen yogurt, fresh salads and sandwiches, up to 24 fueling stations and more than 4,000 items to satisfy the needs of its guests. While operating under the mission of making people's lives simpler and more enjoyable, the company has been named a top workplace by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2011 - 2013), the South Florida Business Journal (2012), the Orlando Business Journal (2011, 2013) and the Dallas Business Journal (2009 – 2010, 2013), as well as recognized on Forbes list of largest private companies (1998 - 2013) and Financial Times' 2013 Hot 100 Retailers. Convenience Store Petroleum named Carl Bolch Jr. "Retailer of the Year" in 2009 and Convenience Store News has honored RaceTrac on the Top 100 Convenience Stores list (2003 – 2013), Top 20 Growth Chain list (2013) and as Retail Innovator of the Year (2012). For more information, visit RaceTrac on Facebook, Twitter, Web and LinkedIn.

SOURCE The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research