With the support of more than 1,600 Circle K convenience and gasoline sites across the country, Circle K has been a proud sponsor of UCP since 1984, giving hope and encouragement to thousands of children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. For the past 20 years, Circle K employees, customers and vendors have raised more than $40 million for UCP.
In 1998, Circle K’s parent company, Tosco, was named UCP's largest corporate sponsor after raising more than $3.2 million in 1997. Phillips Petroleum acquired Tosco in September 2001, with a merger with Conoco to follow in 2002. ConocoPhillips subsequently sold the bulk of its Circle K retail stores to Canada-based Couche-Tard in 2003.
Circle K stores also raise additional funds for UCP through various in-store promotions and special events, including regional golf tournaments, countertop canister collections and other promotions.
One of the company’s most successful fundraising programs is the annual Circle K/UCP/Miller Holiday Promotion. During the months of November and December, Circle K customers "purchase" paper holiday decorations to substantially increase their UCP fundraising. Circle K customers' generosity and enthusiasm for UCP raised more than $600,000 during the 2003 promotion.
