Coca-Cola Consolidated’s One Million Dollar Check to BGCM
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis (BGCM) today announced that Coca-Cola Consolidated is contributing $1 million to support job readiness programs through the Juice Plus+ Technical Training Center for students ages 16-24.
“This gift will help advance our mission to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens,” said Keith Blanchard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis. “Coca-Cola Consolidated is providing life enhancing programs for our members to learn skills for success.”
Coca-Cola Consolidated is the nation’s Coca-Cola largest bottler and has served the region since 2017. Coca-Cola has also been designated the city’s Official Soft Drink. The company employs more than 475 teammates and serves more than 4,000 customers in Memphis.
“Our purpose to serve others includes meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the communities we serve,” said Frank Harrison, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Coca-Cola Consolidated. “We’re grateful for our partnerships with the Boys & Girls Club and Mayor Jim Strickland to make this critical job readiness program possible.”
Mayor Strickland joined BGCM and Coke Consolidated at today’s announcement. The city and Memphis Shelby County Schools have collaborated with BGCM to open new clubs inside 10 schools since 2021.
“This partnership is a best-in-class example of how the private sector can support local non-profits,” said Mayor Jim Strickland “This program will not only provide safe alternatives for Memphis youth, but provide them with job readiness skills to enter the workforce.”
In addition to the donation, Consolidated teammates distributed 300 backpacks filled with school supplies and personal hygiene items to Club members to help prepare for back to school.
“We’re committed to investing in the city’s youth through mentoring, character development and job readiness programs like this,” said Keith Burnette, Market Unit Vice President in Tennessee for Coke Consolidated.
