Spreading Joy in the Community

We’re excited to announce the opening of our newest Dunkin’ location in Farragut-Knoxville! It’s a privilege to expand our presence in this area and better serve the incredible community here.

We kicked off our grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony, joined by members of the Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce and local neighbors who made the morning feel truly special.

One of the most memorable moments of the day was a check presentation to Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR), our latest Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation matching grant recipient. STAR provides life-changing equine-assisted therapy to individuals with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. To help celebrate, STAR brought along their miniature therapy horses, bringing smiles to guests of all ages and making the day even more meaningful.

This Giving Tuesday, we’re reflecting on the incredible impact of our 7th annual Purple Pinkie Donut Fundraiser. Thanks to the unwavering support of neighboring Dunkin’ Franchisees, local Rotarians, and our dedicated Bluemont team, this year’s effort was a resounding success!

In 2024 alone, we distributed over 77,000 Purple Donuts and raised a remarkable $1,678,049.95, including matching funds, to help eradicate polio. That’s enough to vaccinate more than 500,000 children in regions where this preventable disease remains a threat.

Since the fundraiser began in 2018, we’ve collectively raised an incredible $7.5 million for the fight against polio, with a key milestone reached this year: $1 million in direct donations before applying any matching funds. This accomplishment highlights the power of generosity and teamwork.

Why Purple Pinkie?
In countries where polio persists, children receive the vaccine by mouth. To track vaccinations, each child’s pinkie finger is marked with indelible purple ink, ensuring no child receives more than one dose. Over time, the purple pinkie has become a global symbol of hope for a world without polio.

How the Fundraiser Works
The Purple Pinkie Donut Fundraiser combines generosity with deliciousness. For every dollar donated, matching opportunities multiply the impact 7.5x, turning a $25 donation into $187.50 for polio eradication efforts. As a thank-you, donors receive a dozen Purple Pinkie Donuts—a sweet reminder of their contribution to a global cause.

Polio Facts You Should Know
📌 Polio primarily affects children under age 5.
📌 There is no cure, but the disease is entirely preventable with a vaccine.
📌 Only two countries remain polio-endemic.
📌 Global polio cases have decreased by 99.9% since 1988.

A Team Effort for a Polio-Free World
This initiative would not be possible without the leadership and dedication of Dave Baumgartner, Bluemont President, and Margo Hughes, Director of Operating Services. Their collaboration with Rotary Districts in Tennessee, Alabama, and beyond has driven this impactful project since its inception in 2018.

Over the last seven years, 350,000 donuts have been distributed, millions of dollars raised, and countless lives positively impacted. As we celebrate this year’s success, we are reminded of the difference we can make when communities unite for a common cause.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s fundraiser and helped us bring the world closer to a future without polio. Together, we’re making a lasting difference.

💜🌍 Here’s to a polio-free world—one purple pinkie at a time.

When Hurricane Helene struck, it left behind devastation that deeply impacted countless families, especially in our mountain communities. Bluemont Group quickly mobilized to support relief efforts, and thanks to your generous donations, we were able to make a real difference.

Coming Together for East Tennessee
On October 4th, we launched a donation drive at our Knoxville office, where the response from the community was incredible. For two days, our team and volunteers collected a wide range of supplies, from food and water to essential household items. The outpouring of support was inspiring, and our truck quickly filled up—yet, as always, East Tennesseans continued to show up, eager to help however they could.

In addition to collecting physical supplies, we also launched a fundraising effort to bolster our response. In just 12 hours, we raised an astounding $34,360 from members of our community. This overwhelming generosity allowed us to extend our efforts far beyond what we initially thought possible.

On October 6th, we transported these much-needed supplies to our Greeneville, Tennessee store, where they were distributed to families and individuals affected by the hurricane. From 9 AM to 6 PM, our team handed out supplies, ensuring they reached those in urgent need.

Service in Action: Living Bluemont’s Core Values
At Bluemont, Service is one of our core values, and it’s at the heart of everything we do. In times of crisis, we believe in stepping up to serve our communities in meaningful ways. The Hurricane Helene relief efforts provided an opportunity to live out this value by creating a tangible impact for those in need. Whether through organizing supply drives, raising funds, or directly aiding recovery efforts, our team and supporters showed what it truly means to serve.

Extending Relief Through Local Partnerships
Thanks to the support of our community, we didn’t just stop at providing immediate relief. We were also able to amplify our impact by partnering with two incredible organizations. Bluemont Group donated $10,000 each to:

• Neighbor-to-Neighbor Disaster Relief Fund: A local initiative through the East Tennessee Foundation focused on disaster recovery support for families and communities in our region.
• Global Empowerment Mission: An organization committed to supporting local small businesses and artists in the community. Within this initiative, they will be providing local artisans, farmers, and business owners grants to help them get back on their feet and their businesses back up and running.

These funds are being used to support search and recovery missions, critical road repairs, and long-term rebuilding efforts. Your generosity has had a direct impact on helping families and communities recover and rebuild.

Accelerating Recovery in Mountain Communities
In addition to our partnerships, your contributions enabled Bluemont Group to take swift action to help the hardest-hit mountain communities. From accelerating search and recovery missions to initiating vital road repairs, your donations have cleared pathways—both literal and figurative—for families striving to return to normalcy. Each rebuilt road and cleared pathway is a testament to the power of a united community.

A Grateful Community Thanks You!
Bluemont Group extends our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to these efforts. Whether through donations, spreading the word, or volunteering, your support has truly made a difference. Living out our core value of Service, together we’ve helped provide hope, recovery, and a brighter future for those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Watch this slideshow to learn more about our journey through East Tennessee directly after Hurricane Helene. Thank you for standing with us as we reconnect and rebuild our beloved mountain communities. Together, we’ve proven that when East Tennessee comes together, we can overcome even the toughest challenges.

At Bluemont Group, we believe that a great workplace culture is all about bringing people together, and this Halloween was the perfect example! This year, our stores and office came alive with Halloween spirit, adding some extra festive fun to our workdays.

Our stores celebrated the season with specialty Halloween donuts, thrilling costumes, and plenty of spooky-themed cheer, making the experience special for our guests and team alike. Meanwhile, our office team joined in the excitement, hosting a Halloween potluck that brought a delicious variety to the table, dressing up in costumes, and even competing in a door-decorating contest that showcased everyone’s creativity. From witches and pumpkins to classic ghosts, each team put their unique twist on the holiday.

Events like these do more than just add a bit of fun—they create strong bonds, boost morale, and strengthen the team spirit that makes Bluemont Group a fantastic place to work. We’re proud to see our team members come together to make each holiday memorable, fostering a culture that values camaraderie and creativity. Here’s to the magic of Halloween and the inspiring people who make Bluemont Group a truly special workplace!