LIFESTYLE
Pepsi of Florence + Walmart Present a $2,000 Check to Team Rubicon story by Alicia White We believe that what defines the success of a business doesn’t only revolve around their product and services but also what they do to serve their community. The community partnership provided by Pepsi of Florence is easily recognized throughout the Pee Dee. While their talents can be tasted in the delicious and diverse beverages they deliver to businesses, schools, individuals, and everywhere in between, their willingness to donate time, services, and products to those in need is observed by many. Most recently Pepsi of Florence partnered with Walmart (630) on Beltline Drive to offer proceeds to Team Rubicon. Jack Grandey, Team Rubicon Area Administrator, attended the check presentation where they received $2,000 to help with their outreach. Team Rubicon is an international non-profit disaster response organization that unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy disaster response teams, free of charge, to communities affected by disasters. Grandey further explains the organization, “Our local geographic area encompasses both North and South Carolina. Florence is in the Carolinas region with local leadership in the Charleston Metro. Our S.C. members, known as Greyshirts, live throughout the state and are deployed directly to where they may be needed.” The money raised by the joint project of Pepsi of Florence and Walmart on Beltline Drive will help with the organization's ongoing operations. “As a 501(c)(3) not-forprofit enterprise, we depend upon private, local community, and corporate donations to conduct our disaster response services,” Grandey states. “We do not charge homeowners or communities for chainsaw operations, muck-outs, hazard mitigation, expedient home repairs, yard and street clearing, or any of our disaster response services.”
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Ramona Pressley, Walmart on Beltline Drive Market Manager, is passionate about giving back to the community. “We appreciate the support that Rubicon gives and wanted to participate in helping them continue to do the work they do,” she said. With the help of promotional signage supplied by Pepsi of Florence, Walmart customers were encouraged to purchase Mountain Dew products knowing that proceeds would benefit Team Rubicon. Pressley continued, “Giving back to the community is the best part of what we have the opportunity to do. We love our communities and enjoy any type of volunteer events or grants that we are able to take part in.”
Team Rubicon is primarily comprised of veterans who make up 70% of their volunteer membership. “Team Rubicon exists to give veterans the opportunity to continue to serve, following their active duty, alongside civilians and active-duty personnel. Funding supports our operations,” says Grandey.
If your business is looking to learn more about the operations of Team Rubicon and how you can help support its mission, Grandey will be happy to assist. Email Grandey at jack.grandey@teamrubiconusa.org or feel free to visit their website, www.teamrubiconusa.org.
