Several community members, local first responders and guests attended the event, including Melinda Bales, mayor of Huntersville,N.C., to recognize and celebrate the dedication of these first responders.
The first 1,000 registrants were invited to a free buffet. Other highlights included a "Touch-a-Truck" activity with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department bomb squad and a performance by Gary Sinise & The Lt. Dan Band, with opening act Stolen Silver.
ATD also helped GSF award more than $100,000 in grants to provide equipment for the East Gaston Volunteer Fire Department, Union Vale Volunteer Fire Department and CMPD.
ATD President and CEO Stuart Schuette said the tire wholesaler has "deep respect and appreciation for the commitment of our first responders. This event provided us the opportunity to show our gratitude for their tireless dedication and to contribute to an organization that shares our values."
ATD has raised $2.75 million for GSF since the collaboration began in 2019. This year, ATD has a goal to raise $1.5 million for GSF through the third annual Summer for Heroes campaign, which will fund mental health and suicide prevention programs, community outreach and support programs for families of fallen heroes. The campaign will end in October with the Gala and Golf for Heroes.
Actor GSF founder Gary Sinise said it is important to him to include serving the honoring first responders as part of the GSF mission.
"With the tremendous generosity of American Tire Distributors, we are able to make an even bigger impact for the courageous firefighters, police officers, and emergency personnel who work to ensure our communities are safe nationwide," Sinise, said.
To contribute to ATD's Summer for Heroes campaign or learn more about the Gary Sinise Foundation, visit donate.garysinisefoundation.org.
