MAPCO Express, Inc., in partnership with the Coca-Cola Company, will launch its Summer Splash campaign in support of the Chattanooga Zoo on Monday. 

From July 2 through Sept. 30, 95 MAPCO stores located within the southeastern district will be accepting donations on behalf of the Chattanooga Zoo.  Similarly, the Coca-Cola Company will donate a portion of the proceeds from every 20-ounce Coca-Cola product sold at MAPCO to the Chattanooga Zoo during this time.  All monies raised will go directly to support the continued care of the Zoo’s many animals and educational programs.

Sam Picone, MAPCO Chattanooga Division manager, said, “We are excited to partner with the Coca-Cola Company to support the Chattanooga Zoo which has served as an affordable educational resource for the southeastern region for 75 years.  In addition to providing financial support, many division MAPCO employees will be volunteering their time at the Zoo every weekend throughout this promotion.  We hope that this is the beginning of a fruitful and long term relationship with the Zoo.”

Tyler Maynor, key account manager of the Coca Cola Company, added, “Coca-Cola is thrilled to be involved with the MAPCO Summer Splash campaign.  Our company has remained staunch supporters of the Chattanooga Zoo throughout the years and we will continue to support the growth and progression of this wonderful, community-based nonprofit organization.”

The Summer Splash campaign will officially launch at noon on Monday at the Chattanooga Zoo.  Media and the public are invited for the launch. Approximately, 10 Southeastern MAPCO district managers will also be in attendance to celebrate the launch and to volunteer their time working at the Zoo.

Darde Long, executive director for the Chattanooga Zoo, said, “All of us at the Zoo feel so blessed to have the support of not one but two wonderful, local companies, MAPCO and Coca-Cola. We are thrilled about the upcoming Summer Splash campaign and hope that we can continue the partnership with these companies for many years to come.”   

 The 14-acre Chattanooga Zoo (historically referred to as the Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park) is accredited by the national Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), assuring the highest standards of animal care and husbandry. The Zoo is dedicated to its mission of engaging and inspiring all citizens of the community to better understand and preserve wildlife by creating meaningful connections between people and animals. With its intimate, innovative exhibits, wide-ranging education offerings and commitment to conservation, the Chattanooga Zoo fills a unique niche within the community. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. In 2012, the Chattanooga Zoo will be celebrating its 75th anniversary.

For more information, visit www.chattzoo.org.