VERC Enterprises to raise money and awarenesss for Alzheimer's Association

Oct. 25, 2012 - PRLog -- Two industry leaders, Rapid Refill and VERC Enterprises have set competition aside to help the Alzheimer cause. Rapid Refill, from a home base of Plymouth, MA and VERC, with headquarters in Duxbury are running the “Purple Pump Up” campaign that includes selling discount coupons with the proceeds going directly to the Alzheimer’s Association and the savings going to their customers. Purple is the official color of the Alzheimer’s cause. November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month.

“We are very pleased to team up with Rapid Refill and the Alzheimer’s Association for this important cause. We believe strongly in the importance of businesses giving back to the communities and doing what we can to help our neighbors and friends,” said Leo Vercollone, President of VERC Enterprises. All of the VERC locations will participate.

Rapid Refill’s Chairman James Garrett is optimistic that this program will raise substantial funds for research to end Alzheimer’s. “This disease must be stopped before it affects even more people,” said Mr. Garrett whose family has been affected by Alzheimer’s.

This is the second year for Purple Pump Up. Last year, with only Rapid Refill locations involved, the program raised $30,000. Organizers are hopeful they can double that amount with more stores participating. The campaign consists of asking customers for a $1 donation for which they receive coupons for Nestle, Pepsi and Peggy Lawton products of more than $3 value. The full $1 is donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.

“This is exactly the kind of community-based awareness that will make a difference for the cause,” said Betsy Fitzgerald-Campbell, Vice President of Communications at the Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter. “We really credit Jim Garrett for taking the lead to create the program, and this year he is joined by the VERC team. They are making a tremendous difference.”

For participating locations, visit alz.org/MANH.

Alzheimer’s affects 5.4 million Americans, but only about half have been diagnosed. Public awareness is key to helping people receive the services they need to live with the disease, she said.  ##

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research and also provides services and programs for those with Alzheimer’s, family and professional caregivers in the form of support groups, a 24/7 Helpline, care consultation, advocacy efforts, education programs. Visit www.alz.org/MANH for more information.

Rapid Refill is part of the family-owned Volta Group which distributes petroleum products in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut.  Volta Oil also retails gasoline, diesel and convenience store merchandise through twelve Rapid Refill stores throughout Eastern Massachusetts.  The Volta Group is owned and operated by Jim Garrett and his three sons, Bruce, Peter and Stephen.

VERC Enterprises is the region’s leading, independent chain of convenience stores and gasoline stations, with locations throughout Eastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The company began 35 years ago with a single car wash in Marshfield, in a business founded by Eugene Vercollone. Today two of Mr. Vercollone’s sons operate the company, with Leo as President and Paul as Vice President. The firm has more than 230 employees and is a leader in hiring those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. In 2011 VERC Enterprises was recognized by the Boston Business Journal as a Best Place to Work in Massachusetts and as a Leader in Diversity and by the Boston Globe as a Best Place to Work in Massachusetts. For additional information, please visit the website, www.vercenterprises.com.