It may not be the first time employees of school bus manufacturer Blue Bird went above and beyond the call of duty — but recently they raised more than $17,000 in donations for the Central Georgia Chapter of the American Heart and Stroke Association, nearly doubling their initial goal of $10,000.
Approximately 1,600 employees joined forces to raise this funding through contributions, bake sales, raffle tickets and dunking booths. The amount steadily grew over the span of eight weeks, and also exceeded last year’s donation, which came in at just over $14,000. Through this year’s donation, Blue Bird has become one of the top three fund-raising companies in the region.
“With the support of generous donors like Blue Bird, we are able to better fight the number-one killer of all Americans. Congratulations on surpassing your initial goal and raising over $17,000,” said Kellie Thigpen McKenzie, regional director for the American Heart and Stroke Association.
“We are delighted to support the American Heart and Stroke Association. It is a terrific organization, and we’re pleased that our employees’ donations can help fight this terrible disease,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird.
The American Heart and Stroke Association’s Central Georgia chapter provides local research assistance, CPR training and educational support. In addition to the American Heart and Stroke Association, Blue Bird also supports other causes through volunteer work, corporate and employee contributions, and its annual supplier golf tournament, the company stated.
