FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO) — A popular Penny Pitch tradition is returning this month, with Phil’s One Stop once again partnering with WOWO for the Penny Pitch Gas Pump Event.
The event is scheduled for Friday, October 23, from 3 to 6 p.m.
During the three-hour event, Phil’s One Stop will roll back the price of gasoline at participating locations. WOWO is encouraging customers to donate the money they save at the pump to the Northeast Indiana Base Community Council (NIBCC), this year’s Penny Pitch recipient.
WOWO’s Kayla Blakeslee announced the event Monday during Fort Wayne’s Morning News, welcoming Zac Carper of Phil’s One Stop back to the Penny Pitch campaign.
Carper said Phil’s One Stop is excited to bring back the partnership.
“I think that us together, we’re gonna raise a lot of money for charity,” Carper said.
Casey Hendrickson to broadcast live
Phil’s One Stop currently operates 16 locations across Northeast Indiana and two in Ohio, according to Carper.
WOWO will be at four locations during the October 23 event.
Fern Hill — 102 Fernhill Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Copper Creek —1950 Copper Mine Passage, Fort Wayne, IN 46845
Georgetown — 6230 East State Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46815
Auburn — 190 Smaltz Way, Auburn, IN 46706
Casey Hendrickson will broadcast live from The flagship location will be Phil’s One Stop #7 on Fern Hill Road near the Coliseum. Kayla Blakeslee will be be stationed in Georgetown at East State and Maplecrest.
Other WOWO personalities will be at the Copper Creek and the Auburn locations.
Raising money for active-duty military families
This year’s Penny Pitch campaign is seeking to raise $100,000 for the NIBCC.
The organization provides assistance to active-duty military members and their families in Northeast Indiana.
Blakeslee highlighted one example involving a deployed service member whose wife was home with their four children when their basement flooded. The family contacted NIBCC for help.
The organization can provide checks of up to $1,000, when eligibility requirements are met, to help families facing financial needs such as vehicle problems, medical expenses or emergency situations.
Carper said supporting military families is a natural fit for Phil’s One Stop, which has a history of supporting veterans and active-duty members.
“We do a lot with veterans in our area already,” Carper said. “I think going after active-duty military service members … is a great way to focus.”
How much will gas prices drop?
The exact price rollback will not be announced until shortly before the event.
Carper said the final amount will likely be determined a day or two before October 23, based on market conditions.
The savings will come directly out of Phil’s One Stop pocket as part of the company’s charitable contribution.
“It’s for charity. It’s for a good cause,” Carper said.
Customers may also be able to save additional money through Marathon Rewards. Carper said rewards savings can vary by location.
Mark your calendar
The Penny Pitch Gas Pump Event will take place:
Friday, October 23
3 to 6 p.m.
Participating Phil’s One Stop locations
WOWO will continue announcing the additional locations where station personalities will be stationed during the event.
Customers are encouraged to take the money they save on gasoline and put it in the Penny Pitch buckets to help support Northeast Indiana military families through the NIBCC.
