As a further reflection of its decades of military support, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is honoring and supporting the United States Armed Forces with the launch of the "Goodyear Gives Back" campaign.
The fund-raising effort is designed to generate support members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families who make sacrifices to protect the freedom of Americans.
Goodyear is transforming the appearance of all its related racing tires over the July 4th holiday race weekend, replacing the traditional "Goodyear Eagle" sidewalls with a symbolic yellow ribbon design reading "Support Our Troops." A number of initiatives -- all designed to benefit the Support Our Troops organization -- are part of this year's program, including:
* at-track activities,
* the launch of www.Goodyear.com/givesback, and
* multiple opportunities for racing fans to participate.
"Soldiers and their families make tremendous sacrifices for us every day. We hope that by changing the look of our race tires to raise awareness, along with Goodyear's donation and fund-raising efforts, we can help make a difference in the lives of the troops and their families," says Garth Ely, Goodyear's director of brand marketing.
"From outfitting Humvees and planes to patrolling the coast with the Goodyear blimp after Pearl Harbor, Goodyear has been supporting the military for more than 100 years."
To kick off this year's program, Goodyear is donating $1 per select Goodyear tire sold (up to $250,000) to the Support Our Troops organization from July 1 through August 31, 2012. (See participating retailers for complete details.)
Over the last two years, contributions generated through the Goodyear effort have amounted to nearly $400,000 in cash and product, and have benefited U.S. service men and women directly and through the highly effective programs operated by Support Our Troops, a nonprofit nationwide organization that works to bolster the morale and well-being of America's troops and their families.
In 2011, Goodyear customers, including its retail stores, independent dealers and Discount Tire Co. Inc., provided full mounting services free of charge to make sure donated tires were properly mounted to the vehicles of the troops and their families. This year, retailers are planning local events and promotions throughout the country.
"Goodyear has played an integral role in efforts to raise awareness and funds to help impact the lives of U.S. Armed Forces and their families," says Martin Boire, executive director of Support Our Troops.
"We appreciate all that Goodyear, NASCAR and NHRA are doing by providing so many ways for the fans to show their support for our service men and women through this year's campaign."
Goodyear is the exclusive tire supplier of NASCAR's three major national series and NHRA Racing's Top Fuel and Funny Car classes.
Ironically, the U.S. Army announced it was not going to renew its sponsorship with Stewart-Haas Racing for 2013 shortly after the campaign began.
