Roadway Express' Corporate Sales Organization teamed up in Phoenix, Arizona to build support for communities by participating in a charitable event coordinated by Make A Difference, an organization that benefits various charities throughout the Phoenix area. On May 10, forty-two Roadway corporate sales executives from around the country joined together to design and build a 9-hole miniature golf course from scratch and donated the course to Make A Difference.

Make a Difference is a nonprofit organization that meets critical community needs in under-resourced areas by making volunteer opportunities available to busy professional people in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Many potential volunteers are unfamiliar with the community service programs available and are unable to make a long-term commitment to one particular organization. Make a Difference works with Community Service Organizations to create flexible volunteer projects and commits to staff these projects with responsible volunteer groups or individuals.

"We often host fairs for children in under-resourced areas, where the miniature golf course will be utilized," said Program Director of Make A Difference, Laura Lowe. "Most of these children have never had the opportunity to attend a fair or amusement park, and will be thrilled with this golf course! We are so grateful to Roadway for this unique donation."

"The experience was fantastic and energizing for our group," said Senior Vice President, Corporate Sales, Michael Murphy. "We wanted to build and reinforce our team spirit with a program that would bond the corporate sales team members into a 'we can do it together' mindset and demonstrate our commitment to community service and the health and wellbeing of children."

The corporate sales team started with wooden platforms covered with artificial turf, building materials, large toys, wood pieces and pipe, and tools and paint for building. The team received an overview of its chosen charity before deciding on a theme and course design. A few hours later, the team was playing on the miniature course to test their skills and to discover the success of their efforts. "There was so much pride among the team, knowing that our contribution on behalf of Roadway would make a difference for people that are less fortunate," continued Murphy.

Make A Difference is part of CityCares, a nationwide network headquartered in Atlanta, GA (visit the website, www.cares.org, for links to affiliates in other cities). Twenty-seven other cities have affiliated volunteer service organizations including New York City, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Roadway Services, Inc.

Roadway Services, Inc.

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