BASF, PestOne Partner Up to Race for Charity

Bill Baxter, business manager for BASF’s Professional Pest Control Group, poses at the Ribbon Run with Greensboro Grasshoppers mascot, Guilford the Grasshopper.

RALEIGH, N.C. – BASF and PestOne, Inc., a network of independent pest management companies with a large presence in the Carolinas, were Platinum Partners of this year’s 7th Annual 5K Autism Ribbon Run, held on Saturday, October 8, 2005, in Raleigh.

In sponsoring the event, BASF is asserting its commitment to the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) and its efforts to raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder, promoting advocacy of people living with the condition.

While BASF is a third-year sponsor of the Ribbon Run, this was PestOne’s first year sponsoring the run on a corporate level. “We’re thrilled that PestOne, such a valued customer group in the Carolinas, is also a partner in the fight to make a difference in the lives of people with ASD and their families,” said Bill Baxter, business manager for BASF’s Professional Pest Control group.

In addition to its Platinum sponsorship, BASF hosted the "Termidor® Tot Trot" for children ages 2 to 6 years old. BASF and PestOne representatives congratulated pint-sized participants in the Run at the finish line, cheering on participants and educating the crowd on how they can rescue their homes from costly termite damage.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a group of developmental disabilities – including classic autism, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PPD-NOS), and Asperger’s Syndrome – that affect one’s ability to understand what they see, hear, and otherwise sense. It is a brain disorder that impacts communication, social interaction, and behavior. The Autism Society of North Carolina is committed to providing support and promoting opportunities to enhance the lives of individuals within the autism spectrum and their families.

According to Karen Hammes, director of development for the ASNC, “The involvement of BASF and PestOne as Platinum Partners in the Autism Ribbon Run allows us to continue to provide support for programs and services which serve the 30,000 individuals with ASD, and their families, in North Carolina.” She continued, "The ASNC has, for 36 years, been a leader in developing and implementing strategies to improve the lives of those living with ASD. Like Termidor and PestOne, we are at the top of our game.”

For more information visit www.PestControlFacts.com.