NASHVILLE, Tenn.—United Way of Metropolitan Nashville recognized Bridgestone Americas Inc. as its top donor in 2018.
The company raised $1.54 million for United Way as part of its ongoing commitment to improving its surrounding communities, according to a Bridgestone news release.
More than 80 percent of Nashville-based employees gave to the campaign, and more than 1,500 employee donations comprised half of all contributions, with the Bridgestone Charitable Golf Tournament and Bridgestone company match program contributing the remaining total.
"We want to continue to be a good neighbor in our hometown of Nashville, Tenn.," said Gordon Knapp, Bridgestone Americas president and CEO, who also serves as the 2019 Board of Trustees Chair for United Way of Metropolitan Nashville. "As a part of that, our teammates have had the pleasure of supporting the United Way in its commitment to strengthening personal health, education and financial stability in the Nashville area. We're honored to support them in this mission and hope to continue this level of commitment for years to come."
More than 150 Bridgestone employees participated in the organization's Stuff the Bus event, resulting in 11,000 backpacks filled with school supplies for local elementary school children. Employees sorted 7,518 pounds of food through United Way's Second Harvest event, and supported the American Red Cross with their fire prevention program and Salvation Army through its Magness Potter Community Center clean-up efforts.
Bridgestone has partnered with United Way for more than 25 years, the company said.