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Manheim and the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association honored a Georgia dealer at NIADA’s Convention & Expo this week for its service to the community.

Winning the second annual Dealer’s Edge National Community Service Award was Ron’s Auto Sales, which is located in Lawrenceville, Ga.

The dealership was presented a $5,000 check to be donated to KidStuff USA — the store’s charity of choice — which will use the funds in its work with special needs children.

“On behalf of everyone at Manheim, we are truly honored to recognize independent dealers who are making positive differences in the community,” stated Nick Peluso, senior vice president of customer management at Manheim.

“Independent auto dealers are an integral part of local communities, from providing valuable jobs to supporting area schools, civic organizations and philanthropic efforts. Ron’s Auto Sales’ Circle Heart Racing, a charitable organization created to bring ‘Miles of Smiles’ to children in need, is one of many examples that earned Ron and his team this year’s Dealer’s Edge National Community Service Award,” he continued.

NIADA chief executive officer Mike Linn added: “We are pleased to once again partner with Manheim to recognize worthy independent dealers. The spirit and valor shown by the entire dealership makes a tremendous and positive impact on their community. We commend Ron and Debbie Rigdon and their team for taking the steps to make them stand out as one of the top charitable independent dealers.”

Officials noted that the dealership has a passion for helping children in need. It is designated a Safe Place for children and has lent a hand to many local causes helping kids.

The Rigdons launched Circle Heart Racing in 2008 as a non-profit with the mission of supporting other charities that benefit children. These include such causes as A Friend’s House, Rainbow Village, Piedmont CASA and Haven House.

Ron Rigdon is also a board member for the national group Speedway Children’s Charities, which has teamed up with the National Auto Sport Association – Southeast Division to create the annual Santa’s Toy Run.

There were four other dealers whose charitable efforts earned them the spotlight during the NIADA National Leadership Awards Banquet as they were touted as finalists. These were:

—Ed Holewiak’s Auto Sales, Somerset, Mass.
—South Tacoma Auto, Tacoma, Wash.
—Alamo Valley Auto Sales, Kalamazoo, Mich.
—Ertle Brothers Discount Auto, Sterling, Colo.