RaceTrac is hosting its “Coffee for a Cause” week this April 14-20 in recognition of Parkinson’s Awareness Month. The retailer is partnering with the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) to help raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s research.
The company will also hold its 11th annual Run For Research 5K, scheduled for Saturday, September 14, 2024, in Atlanta, with proceeds going to MJFF.
Since 2011, RaceTrac has raised more than $8 million to support Parkinson’s research through its “Coffee For A Cause” week and Run For Research 5K. All funds are donated directly to MJFF, and RaceTrac customers will also be able to choose between adding one dollar to their in-store purchases or selecting a special one-dollar candy bar available at the register to support the cause throughout the month of April.
The cause is one close to the family-owned RaceTrac brand, now run by its third generation. Approximately 90,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disorder every year, adding to a list of over one million Americans currently living with the disease, including RaceTrac executive chairman and current MJFF Patient Council member Carl Bolch Jr. RaceTrac founder Carl Bolch Sr. also lived with Parkinson’s.
“RaceTrac’s partnership with The Michael J. Fox Foundation is very personal for my family and we are so proud of the outpouring of support our guests have provided over the years, including raising more than $700,000 during ‘Coffee For A Cause’ last year,” said Melanie Isbill, chief brand officer at RaceTrac and Bolch Jr.’s daughter. “The foundation has made significant advances in the past year, and I am humbled by RaceTrac’s unwavering presence in this fight as we work together to fund research towards advances in treatments and a cure in support of patients and their families.”
Last year, Carl Bolch, Jr., a former chairman of the board for NACS, was honored for his leadership and commitment to community with a special congressional honor. Bolch Jr., helped grow the company his father founded from 100 stores in two states to more than 780 stores in 12 states.