CARMEL, Ind. -

Through two separate campaigns, KAR Auction Services raised more than $69,000 in fundraisers associated with the American Diabetes Association and the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association Foundation.

The company generated the larger of the two fundraising totals through the Indiana Tour de Cure, which resulted in a donation of more than $50,000. The Tour de Cure is a series of charitable cycling events held in 44 states nationwide to benefit the American Diabetes Association.

“Community involvement is one of our company’s core values — as an organization, we take pride in being able to serve worthwhile causes that support the very communities in which we live and work,” said KAR chief executive officer and Tour de Cure rider Jim Hallett.

“Everyone has a story about diabetes or has someone close to them who has been affected by it,” Hallett continued. “I was touched by how many people wanted to help and to support our team.”

Riders consisted of members from several of the company’s core business units, including ADESA, Automotive Finance Corp., Insurance Auto Auctions and PAR North America.

At press time, Team KAR was the largest local corporate team donor of the Indiana Tour de Cure and took the top two fundraising slots for individual riders in Indiana.

In addition, Team KAR ranked as one of the top 10 donors nationwide.

“I want to thank everyone — our employees, our customers, our vendors and our family and friends — for making this year’s Tour de Cure such a success for Team KAR,” said Hallett, who ranked in the top five nationwide for fundraising by an individual rider.

“But more importantly, I want to thank them for making this such a success for all of the people living with diabetes every day,” he went on to say.

Jennifer Pferrer, executive director of the American Diabetes Association for Indiana, expressed her appreciation for KAR’s efforts.

“The American Diabetes Association is thankful for the support and enthusiasm Team KAR has for Indiana Tour de Cure,” Pferrer said.

“As Mr. Hallett shared, we are all affected by diabetes. When the CEO steps up as the top fundraiser for the Tour team, it sends an impactful message of the importance of the event,” she added.

ADESA, AFC Raise $19,000 to Benefit NIADA Foundation

In other news, ADESA and AFC, an NIADA Gold Corporate Sponsor, announced that they have raised $19,000 to benefit the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association Foundation.

The two companies donated a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ and co-sponsored an auction of the vehicle at the recent NIADA Convention and Expo in Las Vegas.

“Thank you to everyone who participated and showed their support,” said Tom Caruso, president and chief executive officer of ADESA. “The NIADA Foundation provides valuable resources to both dealers and the communities they serve. It is always a pleasure to participate in events that give back to members of our industry.”

Frank Fuzy with Century Motors of South Florida placed the winning bid of $19,000 on the pearl white Chevrolet Malibu LTZ. The vehicles features a two-tone interior, factory entertainment system (including TVs in the head rests) and brand-new, 20-inch custom wheels and tires.

All proceeds from the auction will benefit the NIADA Foundation, which awards scholarships to deserving college-bound students across the United States. The foundation also provides training and educational opportunities to dealers as well as the general public.

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