Result of summer-long "Salute Our Troops" fundraising campaign

UNDATED-Kangaroo Express announced today it has donated $32,000 to the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation (GNGFSF) to help fulfill its mission of providing emergency relief assistance for basic needs to the soldiers and airmen of the Georgia National Guard.<br /> <br /> From Memorial Day to Labor Day, customers of Kangaroo Express convenience stores were encouraged to donate $1 to the "Salute Our Troops" fundraising campaign, with a portion of all funds raised in Georgia directly benefiting the GNGFSF. Over the 100-day fundraiser, $2.5 million was raised, more than double the company's original goal of $1 million. The remainder of the funds will directly benefit the USO, Wounded Warrior Project and other military support organizations.<br /> <br /> GNGFSF's Board Member Colonel Dan Zachman and Administrator Harriet Morgan accepted the $32,000 donation at a check presentation at the Clay National Guard Headquarters in Marietta, Ga.<br /> <br /> "On behalf of our Foundation President, Brigadier General Larry Dudney, State Family Program Director Col. Dan Zachman and the entire board of the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation to Kangaroo Express for being selected as the military support organization in Georgia. We are honored to be a part of the incredibly successful 'Salute Our Troops' campaign that was held over the 100 days of summer," said Harriet Morgan. "Thanks to the seamless promotion of this event by Kangaroo Express' sales and marketing teams, public relations staff and the famous Jeep Tour, a wealth of interest was generated throughout the region! It is wonderful to know that so many communities support our military. The $32,000 donation to the Foundation will help many of our citizen-soldiers throughout the State of Georgia when they face financial hardship and we thank you for your generosity and support."<br /> <br /> More than 90 percent of the funds raised are attributed to incremental dollar donations made at Kangaroo Express checkout counters. <br /> <br /> "The pride and gratitude that Americans show for our Armed Forces and their families truly led this fundraising campaign to its overwhelming success," said John Fisher, senior vice president of marketing at Kangaroo Express. "Our customers and store associates know what great support organizations like the Georgia National Guard Family Support Foundation can provide for our military and have been behind the effort since day one, making donations at their local convenience store." <br /> <br /> As part of the campaign, customers added their own voice of gratitude with "shout outs" of pride and appreciation by posting photos on the Kangaroo Express Facebook page and filming video salutes. More than 3,000 shout outs are showcased on the Salute Our Troops website at www.KESalute.com.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/10/242933