NCASEF Flexes Charity Muscles

August 5, 2014 (Tucson, AZ)- The National Coalition of Associations of 7-Eleven Franchises (NCASEF) and its partners made two sizable donations to its charities of choice last month at its national convention in Orlando, Florida. Representatives from Swim Across America (SAA), an organization dedicated to fighting cancer and finding a cure for it, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), which battles neuromuscular diseases, were presented with checks for $230,000 and $345,711 respectively from the NCASEF leadership.

The charity donations for SAA were raised by the NCASEF through a series of activities at the convention including the annual golf tournament, and both a silent and live auction. Other funds for this donation came from local Franchise Owner’s Association (FOA) events held during the year in Dallas, Central Florida and San Diego. The charity donations for MDA were raised through the annual mobile and canister programs where 7-Eleven guests are encouraged to make donations in canisters placed on check-out counters at 7-Eleven stores throughout the year.

“We are immensely proud and honored that our 7-Eleven family of franchise owners were able to make these donations this year,” stated Joe Galea, national chairman of the NCASEF. “We feel very strongly about giving back at the franchise level, the FOA level and of course at the national level,” he continued.

“I am extremely proud of our first year success in partnering with SAA. We feel it is a perfect fit since everyone across the country knows or has known someone searching for hope in the fight against cancer,” stated Iris Yost, charity chair of the NCASEF. “We’ve also had a long time relationship with MDA and are proud to be a platform our guests can count on in the fight against muscle diseases,” she concluded.

National Vice President of Retail Partnerships for MDA Todd Hermon stated, “Every donation made through 7-Eleven via the canister or mobile directly benefits MDA’s mission to save and improve lives for people fighting muscle disease. Over the decades of partnership, these dollars have had a substantial impact on MDA’s efforts to find treatments and cures, assist the families served at clinics and camps and engage communities through advocacy and local educational efforts. We are so grateful to the 7-Eleven Franchise Owners, associates and customers for their generosity and continued commitment to their local communities and the families we serve.”

“We are delighted by our partnership with the NCASEF and grateful for their support,” stated Janel Jorgensen McArdle, President/CEO of Swim Across America. “The 7-Eleven family of franchisees and their employees have demonstrated their commitment to fighting cancer and finding a cure for it and we look forward to a continued successful relationship in the future,” she concluded.

About the NCASEF
The National Coalition of Associations of 7-Eleven Franchisees is the national trade group for 7-Eleven storeowners in the U.S., representing the interests of almost 4,700 convenience store owners whose nearly 6,200 franchise-owned stores employ almost 40,000 workers.

About Swim Across America
Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Boston, Swim Across America is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events. With the help of hundreds of volunteers nationwide and past and current Olympians, SAA is helping find a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. Now in its 27th year, SAA has raised over $50 million for cancer research, prevention and treatment.

About the Muscular Dystrophy Association
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is the world’s leading nonprofit health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases. It funds worldwide research, provides comprehensive health care services, and fights back through advocacy and local engagement.

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