On June 11th, RaceTrac team members attended the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Southeast Youth of the Year Celebration. This inspirational event took place at the Georgia Aquarium’s Oceans Ballroom in downtown Atlanta. The evening honored exceptional teen leaders from across the region who serve as their local Club’s Youth of the Year.
Jamie Miller, Vice President of Marketing, served as one of this year’s Youth of the Year program judges. We connected with her to hear firsthand about RaceTrac’s involvement with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
1. Why is supporting the Youth of the Year program important for RaceTrac?
Supporting the Youth of the Year program is important for RaceTrac because it aligns with our commitment to fueling the communities we serve. We don’t just operate stores; we operate in neighborhoods filled with young people who deserve every opportunity to thrive.
These honorees represent resilience, character, and ambition. When we support them, we’re investing in the next generation of innovators, community builders, and changemakers who will define the future of our communities.
2. You're a judge for this year's Youth of the Year program. What stood out to you about this year's honorees?
What stood out most about this year’s honorees is the depth of their leadership and the authenticity of their stories. Each young person demonstrated not only academic achievement and service, but a remarkable ability to turn adversity into purpose.
They spoke with clarity about who they are, the challenges they’ve faced, and how they intend to uplift others.
As a judge, I was struck by how each honoree embodies the core values of the Boys & Girls Clubs: leadership, integrity, perseverance, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. This group didn’t just meet expectations; they raised the bar for what youth leadership looks like.
3. How else does RaceTrac support Boys & Girls Clubs of America?
RaceTrac’s support for Boys & Girls Clubs of America extends far beyond this one event. It’s a year round commitment rooted in service, partnership, and community impact. One of our most meaningful initiatives is our annual Coffee for a Cause program, taking place this year from July 19–25, where every dollar of coffee margin purchased by our guests goes directly back to BGCA. Buying a cup of coffee is a simple act that fuels extraordinary opportunities for young people.
We also organize hands on volunteer events throughout the year, giving our team members the chance to connect directly with the Boys & Girls Club youth. This year, we’re hosting Back to School parties at Clubs across three of our markets, helping students start the year with confidence, supplies, and a sense of celebration.
In addition, RaceTrac proudly sponsors a variety of BGCA events, including local Youth of the Year galas, the Rebel Women’s Breakfast, and multiple golf tournament sponsorships that help raise critical funds for Club programming.
We are proud to say that, with the support of our guests, we’ve raised over $1 million for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. That milestone reflects not just generosity, but a shared belief in the power of young people and the importance of investing in their futures.