By JONATHAN SNYDER
CountryMark gas station in Bluffton raised $2,031 for the local National Guard on Friday.
This year marks the 16th anniversary of the event, which is held annually on the Friday before Independence Day, and has raised approximately $40,000 total for the Family Readiness Program offered by the local National Guard. On Friday, the $0.50 donation per gallon amounted in $1,905 total; $126 in cash donations were also accepted.
CountryMark also offered free chips, drinks, hot dogs, hats and T-shirts for all who came in. Customers could also enter into a $150 gift card giveaway at the station.
CountryMark employees and local National Guard members helped fuel cars and talked with anyone who came in. The camraderie was enjoyed by Steve Prible, an Energy Manager at AgBest Coop and a cooperative member for CountryMark.
Prible noted that all the money is going directly to local National Guard families, which is a hallmark of the event for him. Prible also loved the ability to talk with local National Guard members, allowing the guard to share their stories and the employees to show their love for the sacrifice they make.
“They do a service so that we don’t have to,” Prible said.
jonathan@news-banner.com
