by Bea Peterson
Cumberland Farms customers received a special treat Friday afternoon, December 16, when they entered the store on Church Street. They were greeted with trays of hot sandwiches and pizza to sample. It was the company’s celebration of the reopening of the updated store. Cumberland Farms Regional Director Brian VanBuren said the company has over 800 stores and they expect another 60 to receive the updated chill zones and coffee bars, food services and gas pumps in 2012. VanBuren’s region has 55 stores from Warrensburg to Cairo, NY, and, so far, six of them have been upgraded, including the Hoosick Falls location. Joining VanBuren at the store was Cumberland Farms District Manager Jim Long.
HFCS Varsity Club To Benefit
To celebrate the new facility, Cumberland Farms will donate 20 cents from every Chill Zone beverage, iced tea and coffee (iced or hot) purchased in Hoosick Falls for the next four weeks to the HFCS Varsity Club. Cumberland Farms pledged to raise at least $1,000 for the school’s organization in that time. VanBuren noted they have often raised more than that amount in a month. Hopefully that will be the case in Hoosick Falls. Officers of the HFCS Varsity Club were on hand to thank Cumberland Farms managers for their support and to enjoy a variety of drinks from the Chill Zone.
The Varsity Club supports the school’s associated athletic teams and programs. The funds raised will go toward fulfilling the sporting equipment needs of the students. More than that, it will also give students, who have a hard time finding the means, an opportunity to attend various athletic camps and programs.
“The Varsity Club is run by the Hoosick Fall Central School students,” said Chris Marsh, Varsity Club advisor. “Our goal extends beyond providing proper equipment for athletic teams. It allow all kids in the community a way to experience teamwork, loyalty and growth at athletic camps and programs. Our students have a vision of equality among their peers, and we appreciate Cumberland Farms’ generous fundraising to our organization.”
In a release, Ari Haseotes, President of the Cumberland Farms Retail Division said, “I understand the importance of students and families working together to build a supportive organization that supports the model of teamwork. Cumberland Farms is honored to aid in raising funds for the students and teachers working hard to allow equal opportunities for all aspiring athletes in the Hoosick Falls Central School community.”
So far this year, Cumberland Farms has donated more than $100,000 to support local organizations across the Northeast.
About Cumberland Farms
According to a Cumberland Farms release, “Cumberland Farms has a network of convenience stores across 11 states that reflects the values of three generations of providing customers with value, convenience and unparalleled service. Family owned for over 70 years, Cumberland Farms also has a long heritage of giving back to the communities where it operates.”