Central Iowa Pacesetter
Convenience Store Raises Funds for Several Health and Human Services Agencies in Iowa
(West Des Moines, Iowa — October 1, 2009) Kum & Go, L.C., one of the nation’s leading convenience store chains, recently wrapped-up its 2009 United Way of Central Iowa annual fundraising campaign. This was Kum & Go’s first time as a United Way Pacesetter. Last year, Kum & Go contributed nearly $107,000 to the charity organization. This year, Kum & Go raised almost $140,000 in donations through internal pledges, payroll deductions, events, drawings, associate-related activities and company match.
"As a company, Kum & Go is proud to match the contributions made by our associates during the campaign," said Kyle Krause, Kum & Go President and CEO. "We are thrilled to have increased giving by 31 percent over last year. Kum & Go associates are true Pacesetters in their generous support of the United Way and we look forward to continuing that tradition.”
United Way Pacesetters are those companies who work toward the 2009-2010 community campaign goal before the actual kickoff. Pacesetters set the fundraising pace and each company, regardless of its size, plays an equally important role in helping United Way achieve its annual campaign goal. Kum & Go is one of 14 Pacesetter organizations.
“Kum & Go is one of Iowa’s most generous companies. Their contributions and volunteer service improve lives and build a stronger community. We’re grateful for their leadership in the 2009 campaign,” says United Way President Shannon Cofield.
"Many Kum & Go associates pledge a percentage of their income to United Way. Internally, Kum & Go fundraising includes several contests, drawings and a "pay-to-wear-jeans" donation when, for a $5 contribution, jeans can be worn every Friday in a designated month," said Darci Leader, 2009 United Way Pacesetter Campaign Co-Chair. "Each year, Kum & Go creates new ways to generate the funding that is so well-deserved by the local agencies of United Way."
Last year, United Way of Central Iowa invested more than $22 million into the community’s most pressing issues, including education, income, health and immediate needs. The organization’s programs focus on long-term solutions that address our community’s most urgent human services conditions. United Way’s 2009 campaign goal is $25.1 million.
About Kum & Go, L.C.
Founded on exceptional customer service, Kum & Go is a pioneer in the convenience store industry. The family-owned company began in 1959 in Hampton, Iowa, and has grown to more than 425 convenience stores in 11 states (Iowa, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming). Thanks to the efforts of its more than 3,600 associates, Kum & Go convenience stores continue to lead the industry in customer service and convenience. In addition to a wide selection of products, Kum & Go provides customers a proprietary mix of products under the well-known Hiland brand name. Other proprietary product offerings include Java Ridge Premium Coffee, Napa Creek and Sea Ridge wines, Go Fresh Market sandwiches and Nuclear energy drinks.
Kum & Go has maintained 50 years of dedicated community commitment, each year returning at least 10 percent of its profits to the communities it serves. Kum & Go is the 3rd largest private owner operator of convenience stores in the United States. For more information about Kum & Go, visit www.kumandgo.com.
###
