In 2021, Love’s announced that it provided the lead and naming gift for the University of Oklahoma’s new softball stadium. Three years later, Love’s Field is completed, and the first pitch was thrown on March 1.
At the field, the company’s name is displayed at the top of the scoreboard, as well as behind home plate. The facility will feature a 10,669-square-foot indoor training facility, more than double the size of the previous training space, and several team spaces, including a training room, locker room and classroom. It will also have space for a recognition area to showcase national championships, All-Americans and other outstanding accomplishments.
“My family and I are so proud to play a part in making Love’s Field a reality,” Jenny Love Meyer, chief culture officer for the retailer, said. But she also pointed out that while the stadium might have the company name on it, this project took years and a village of dedicated people to complete.
“This 44,000-square-foot complex is a nod to Coach Gasso and all those who have been instrumental to building the Oklahoma softball dynasty and hopefully an inspiration for the female student-athletes who compete in it. They are our leaders of the future,” Love Meyer said. “Love’s is humbled to stand alongside the more than 1,100 donors who graciously supported this project. The $37 million raised is the largest dollar amount privately fundraised for a female-specific facility project in college athletics history.”
The first pitch in Love’s Field coincided with the start of Women’s History Month.
In The Community
Every year, the convenience retail industry dedicates billions of dollars to advancing the futures of individuals and families in our communities. The NACS Foundation unifies and builds on NACS members’ charitable efforts to amplify their work in communities across America and to share these powerful stories.
Learn more at www.conveniencecares.org.
Casey’s Launches Annual Feeding America Campaign
Casey’s kicked off its annual campaign in the fight against hunger in March, partnering with Celsius and with Feeding America. Through April 2, Casey’s guests could round up at the register to participate in the campaign, supporting children and families impacted by food insecurity across the Midwest and South. Since the start of their partnership in 2020, Casey’s and Feeding America have donated over 30 million meals. This year, Casey’s is committed to helping provide 10 million meals.
Wawa Battles Food Insecurity With Fly Beyond Program
Wawa launched its “Buy a Kids’ Meal, Make an Impact,” initiative last March. For every Wawa kids’ meal purchased until July 28, Wawa will donate funds to local food bank partners to provide meals to the community. The initiative is an extension of the retailer’s Fly Beyond program, which aims to expand access to fresh and nutritious foods to underserved communities through local Feeding America Food Bank partners.
Mirabito Convenience Stores Supports Honor Flight Network
Mirabito Convenience Stores launched a round-up campaign across all its stores dedicated to supporting the Honor Flight Network. The Honor Flight Network is a nonprofit organization that offers veterans the opportunity to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifices free of charge to them. The round-up campaign took place throughout March. All funds collected during this campaign will be donated to local Honor Flight hubs in Upstate New York.
Parker’s Kitchen Partners With the Wounded Warrior Project
Parker’s Kitchen announced a new partnership with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) to support local veterans in Georgia and South Carolina. Parker’s Kitchen customers can round up their purchases to the nearest dollar to benefit WWP. Proceeds from the Parker’s Kitchen round-up campaign, which will run through July 4, will be donated to support WWP. Parker’s Kitchen will match 25% of each customer donation.
EG America Kicks Off Annual Fundraiser for the American Red Cross
EG America, based in Westborough, Massachusetts, announced it will support the American Red Cross during Red Cross Month by hosting a nationwide in-store fundraiser. During the month of March, guests who visited EG America’s Certified Oil, Cumberland Farms, Fastrac, Kwik Shop, Loaf N’ Jug, Minit Mart, Quik Stop, Sprint Food Stores, Tom Thumb and Turkey Hill stores had the opportunity to donate at checkout to the American Red Cross. The company’s goal for the fundraiser, which began March 1, is $250,000.
EG Holds Hearing Awareness Campaign
In honor of World Hearing Day, EG Group held a hearing awareness campaign for staff members in partnership with Clears Healthcare. Over 600 staff members were screened. A proactive step saw 546 employees opt for hearing tests, and 157 received ear wax removal services. The campaign was a hit, with 100% of participants expressing interest in making it an annual wellness event.