Nominations Now Being Accepted for Firestone's ``100 Who Serve''
15 March 2000
FEATURE/Nominations Now Being Accepted for Firestone's ``100 Who Serve''
NASHVILLE, Tenn March 15, 2000-- In celebration of the centennial year for the Firestone brand, Bridgestone/Firestone is launching "100 Who Serve," a national contest to identify and recognize 100 people who serve others."`100 Who Serve' is our way of celebrating not just our 100th birthday - but also of celebrating the spirit of service to others that has been a cornerstone of our business and American life," said Christine Karbowiak, Bridgestone/Firestone Vice President of Public Affairs. "We want to begin our second century by honoring those who truly make a difference in the lives of others."
"In addition to providing well-deserved recognition for good works, the Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund will make a $2,000 contribution to the non-profit charity or organization of choice for each person selected to receive the award. Contributions totaling $50,000 will go to the top three honorees' designated charities or organizations. We're hopeful this combined financial support of one-quarter million dollars will foster additional good works and service across America."
Community service and philanthropy have been integral to the business founded in 1900 by Harvey S. Firestone. Whether assisting a local little league team or donating to a national charity, the world-famous Firestone brand has a history of supporting good causes. From early efforts to improve the national system of roads and highways, to providing millions of dollars annually for community service, Firestone has been synonymous with giving and helping others.
"We continue that with `100 Who Serve,'" Karbowiak said, "by honoring 100 individuals nationwide who have made a personal commitment to serve others. That service may be on a local, state or national level, ranging from extraordinary acts to the simplest gestures of helping other people."
To be eligible for consideration, individuals must be nominated, and anyone 13 years of age or older can make a nomination by filling out an official entry form and describing him or her with a brief essay. Entry forms, as well as the complete set of rules and regulations, are available at www.firestone100.com, at participating Firestone dealerships, at any Bridgestone/Firestone company owned store including Firestone Tire & Service Centers, ExpertTire or Mark Morris locations or by writing to "100 Who Serve" headquarters (P.O. Box 150639, Nashville, TN 37215).
"100 Who Serve" is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington D.C. aged 13 or older. Nominations will be accepted from March 15 to June 15, 2000. No purchase is necessary. Employees of Bridgestone/Firestone, independent Firestone dealers and their family members are eligible to nominate or be nominated for "100 Who Serve."
Honorees will be recognized in national and local advertisements. In addition to the $2,000 provided to the 501(c)3 organization or charity designated by the award winners, the Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund will provide the top three (1st, 2nd and 3rd place) honorees' designated charities with contributions ranging from $10,000 up to $25,000. Each of the top three honorees and their guest will attend the 2001 Indianapolis 500 race, and be recognized by drivers participating in that competition.
Throughout the year 2000, Bridgestone/Firestone will celebrate its heritage through an international campaign entitled: "Firestone: A Legend. A Century. A Celebration." recognizing the entrepreneurial spirit that built the Firestone brand now admired worldwide.