Salute Our Troops Raises $2.5 Million for USO

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Cary, NC- At a ceremony held Sept 15, Kangaroo CEO Terry Marks presented a check to the USO for $2.5 million. The amount far surpassed the company’s wildest expectations.

CaryCitizen reported in early July when the Salute Our Troops campaign’s restored Jeep made a pitstop in Morrisville. At that time the group had raised about $1.35 million.

Highlights from the campaign:

  • $2.5 million raised for the USO, Wounded Warrior Project and five state-based military support organizations, including the NC National Guard Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund
  • One of the largest donations to the USO in its 70-year history from a single fundraising campaign
  • 90 percent of those donations are attributed to incremental dollar donations made at Kangaroo Express checkout counters
  • Initial goal of $1 million surpassed in just the first five weeks on July 4th weekend
  • USO “Salute Our Troops” Jeep traveled over 13,500 miles in 100 days, collecting video salutes to our troops in more than 75 communities

Half of the donations will support the USO, making Salute Our Troops one of the largest donations to the USO in a single fundraising campaign during its 70 years of delivering programs, entertainment and other services to the military. The remaining donations support Wounded Warrior Project, honoring and empowering injured servicemen and women, and five state-based military support organizations.

“Kangaroo Express guests and associates answered the call this summer, in a resounding testament to the pride and gratitude of Americans, to show support for our Armed Forces and their families,” said John Fisher, senior vice president of The Pantry. “This overwhelming donation is a great demonstration to what Americans can achieve when working together on one common goal. “

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Kangaroo Express, along with Salute Our Troops presenting sponsor PepsiCo, invited store guests to make $1 donations toward its $1 million goal. That goal was achieved in just the first five weeks of the campaign on Independence Day weekend.

As part of the campaign, the USO Salute Our Troops Jeep Tour traveled more than 13,500 miles throughout eight states, honoring local military heroes and families in more than 75 local communities along the route.