Outreach/Philanthropy

CARMEL, Ind. - 

As a new partner of the Jefferson Awards Foundation (JAF), KAR Auction Services has plans to recognize employees for their volunteer endeavors and dedication to community service early next year.

KAR announced Thursday that it will honor up to six employees who have been nominated by their co-workers to be a  2019 JAF national honoree.

One of the six nominated KAR employees will represent the company at the annual JAF national ceremony in Washington, D.C.

“Giving back to the community is one of KAR’s core values, and something we take very seriously in the areas where we work and live,” KAR chief executive officer and board chairman Jim Hallett said in a news release. “We know that KAR employees are active in their communities in many ways, donating their personal time for local organizations who rely on volunteers. I look forward to celebrating our employees who give back in such meaningful ways and personally thanking them for making a difference.”

It was over two decades ago, in 1972, that JAF was established by former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, former Sen. Robert Taft Jr. and Sam Beard, who has created and chaired programs for seven U.S. presidents.

Each year, JAF honors exemplary volunteers from across the country for the selfless work they perform, as well as the influence that they have on others who join them in their communities. The organization has recognized over 61,000 people since its inception, according to KAR.

“We are thrilled to partner with KAR Auction Services and welcome them into our Champions program,” said JAF CEO Hillary Schafer. “By celebrating outstanding service with employees who impact their communities, KAR Auction Services is setting an incredible example for organizations across the country and will impact lives for years to come.”

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - 

AutoNation announced Thursday that it has proposed a $300,000 matching grant to help combat homelessness across the Southeastern Florida area that is home to the company’s headquarters.

Until Dec. 31, AutoNation said it will now match up to $300,000 in donations made to the United We End Homeless project started by Broward County business leaders. The joint initiative is led by United Way of Broward County, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and the Broward Business Council on Homelessness.

“We are challenging the members of the Broward Business Community with a matching grant because we care about quality of life for our current and future residents, and the homeless individuals themselves,” chairman, chief executive officer and president at AutoNation and co-chairman of the Business Council Mike Jackson said in a news release. “We must do more to create a home for all.”

For months, the three agencies in charge of the United We End Homeless initiative have been working together to create a strategic multi-faceted approach to finding solutions that can end chronic homelessness in Broward County, according to AutoNation.

“Through the collaborative efforts of a strong and thriving business community, we are determined to find real-life solutions to this humanitarian crisis,” said Bob Swindell, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance. “We are confident that our business leaders will follow AutoNation's lead by providing the financial support we need to end homelessness."

Phase one of the United We End Homelessness initiative includes providing permanent housing units and ancillary services for the chronically homeless and later the expanding permanent housing solutions throughout Broward County, AutoNation said.

“We are very grateful to Mike Jackson and AutoNation for their leadership role in this initiative,” said Kathleen Cannon, president and CEO of United Way of Broward County. “Broward County is lucky to have corporate citizens like AutoNation who are willing to invest in the future of our community.”

CARMEL, Ind. - 

In an effort to meet a $25,000 fundraising goal that will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, NextGear Capital is gearing up to launch a week-long national charity initiative on Monday.

NextGear Capital announced Thursday that a dollar from every car purchased at 22 participating U.S. auctions located across the country will be donated to the Memphis, Tenn.-based children’s research hospital as part of its first-ever “National Charity Week.”

“Supporting communities in which we work and live is one of our core values,” NextGear Capital senior director of community relations Patty Turner said in a news release. “I am excited to see this new initiative come to life and work with both our auction and dealer clients in communities across the nation. Our clients share our values of community support, and we look forward to working together.”

The 22 auctions participating in the company's six-day charitable promotion for St. Jude include:

• 1st Choice Auto Auction, Houston, Texas
• Akron Auto Auction, Akron, Ohio
• All Valley Dealer Auto Auction, North Hollywood, Calif.
• Alliance Auto Auction of Dallas, Dallas
• BA&W Enterprises - San Antonio Auto Auction, Live Oak, Texas
• Capital City Auto Auction, St Albans, W.Va.
• Columbus Fair Auto Auction, Columbus, Ohio
• Crosspoint NW, Portland, Ore.
• Greensboro Auto Auction, Greensboro, N.C.
• Kansas City Independent Auto Auction, Kansas City, Mo.
• Lynnway Auto Auction, North Billerica, Mass.
• Metro Auto Auction Phoenix, Phoenix
• Metro Auto Auction Dallas, Lewisville, Texas
• Music City Auto Auction, Spring Hill, Tenn.
• North Bay Auto Auction, Fairfield, Calif.
• Orlando Longwood Auto Auction, Longwood, Fla.
• Quincy Auto Auction, Quincy, Mass.
• South Florida Auto Auction, Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.
• Southern Auto Auction, East Windsor, Conn.
• Speedway Auto Auction of Charlotte, Concord, N.C.
• State Line Auto Auction, Waverly, N.Y.

Additionally, NextGear Capital's inaugural “National Charity Week” comes just a few weeks ahead of the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer in Indianapolis on Sept. 29, which NextGear Capital said it will sponsor for a third consecutive year.

According to NextGear Capital, it has raised over $30,000 since 2016 for St. Jude in support of research focused on finding cures and providing care for children.

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. - 

Throughout June and last month, Florida’s Subaru of Pembroke Pines and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Southern Florida Chapter took part in the Subaru Loves to Care initiative for a third consecutive year to provide gift bags to patients who are currently battling cancer this summer.

Subaru Loves to Care, Subaru of America's 2-year-old health-concentrated initiative, has helped LLS and Subaru bring blankets and arts and crafts kits to about 70,000 patients at over 400 hospitals, the automaker announced Tuesday.

In a news release, Craig Zinn, president and chief executive officer of Craig Zinn Automotive Group, which owns Subaru of Pembroke Pines said, “We are happy to once again work with our valued community partner, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Southern Florida Chapter. Through the Subaru ‘Loves to Care’ health-focused initiative we can continue to support patients and their families battling cancer, and together help improve the well-being of our local communities.” 

In addition to Duane Massa, general manager at Subaru of Pembroke Pines, a team of volunteers and staff from LLS’s Southern Florida chapter visited patients at the Memorial Hospital West Cancer Institute in Pembroke Pines to hand-deliver bags of blankets to patients who are currently battling cancer.

“Through Subaru's ‘Loves to Care’ we were able to invite our employees and customers to join our Dealership in giving back, and together express how much we care about our hometown charity partners and the patients they serve,” said Massa.

Additionally, along with a blanket and personalized notes of inspiration that Subaru of Pembroke Pines asked employees and visiting customers to write, the bags also included “Here to Help” cards from LLS, which explain the organization’s mission and how patients and caregivers can find support groups and means of financial aid.

“Our organization is humbled by the support of this extraordinary event,” said DeAnn Hazey, executive director for LLS's Southern Florida chapter. “Patients and caregivers receive uplifting messages and comforting blankets to wrap themselves in the support provided by both Subaru of Pembroke Pines Family and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We are working together to find a cure and provide critical patient care.”  

ORLANDO, Fla. - 

In its 20th year of funding pediatric cancer research, the Hyundai Hope On Wheels nonprofit organization has gifted its $100,000 Hyundai Impact Award to the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

The Hyundai Impact Award, which has been awarded to 21 other recipients, was presented this year to Dr. Don Eslin, who practices pediatric hematology and oncology at the Orlando hospital on Wednesday, Hyundai Motors announced.

Since 1998, the special award from Hyundai Hope On Wheels has been given to pediatric oncology departments at select children's hospitals nationwide every year.

“Throughout the country, talented doctors are working tirelessly to help kids fight cancer by conducting research or providing bedside care,” Hyundai Hope On Wheels board of directors chairman Scott Fink said in a news release. “Our goal at Hope On Wheels is to provide these doctors with the grant funds they need to perform their lifesaving work.”

The organization's latest $100,000 gift has brought its donation total to $145 million raised in support of the fight against pediatric cancer since the nonprofit began funding the cause about 20 years ago.

Furthermore, the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children has been the recipient of over $805,000 in funding from Hope On Wheels.

This year, Hope On Wheels said it will gift a total of more than $15 million to pediatric cancer research and programs.

CENTREVILLE, Va. - 

More than 1,000 people will convene in Washington D.C. on Friday for a 106-mile charity bicycle ride with the hopes of bringing in over $400,000 for autism research as part of the annual Bike to the Beach DC fundraiser Carfax is supporting for the seventh year in a row.

This year, Carfax has set a goal of raising of $60,000 as a participant in the national biking charity event for autism held in association with Autism Speaks, the company announced Tuesday.

On Friday, Carfax employees and family members will join bicycle riders and volunteers from Washington, D.C.-area businesses, Congress and charitable organizations for a bike ride from Gonzaga College High School to the town of Dewey Beach, Del.

“Millions of families nationwide, including my own and those of other Carfax employees and our customers, deal with the effects of autism every day,” Carfax dealer client manager and four-time Bike to the Beach DC rider Robert Barish said in a news release. “Our 12-year-old niece is autistic. My wife and sons are traveling from Erie, Pennsylvania with me to be part of this year's ride because it's personal for us.

“Bike to the Beach is the perfect blend of a great cause and my own personal interests that we all can be involved in now. I love the ride and am thrilled that they are joining the incredible volunteer supporters. We're so proud of all the riders and equally admire those volunteers who commit their time and energy supporting this event so we can help improve the lives of those impacted by autism,” Barish said.

According to Carfax, Bike to the Beach DC is the company’s largest charitable event of the year, and it has raised a total of more than $170,000 since it began participating in the national biking event for autism seven years ago.

 “The ongoing support of companies like Carfax means so much to our community of riders, volunteers and families impacted by autism,” said Robby Walsh, executive director of Bike to the Beach. “We appreciate the involvement of Team Carfax and are grateful for their efforts to help us raise funds to further research and grow awareness of autism. Over the years this group has biked, collectively, thousands of miles for the cause and we cannot wait to welcome them back for another year.”

FRANKLIN, Tenn. - 

Dealers Auto Auction Group has a long history of giving back to the community as DAAG supports many local charities throughout the course of the year.

Collectively, the group’s recent efforts have led to more than $122,000 being awarded to a wide array of organizations.

DAA of Huntsville just celebrated its 14th anniversary sale with more than 1,000 units consigned and more than 60 percent sold, raising more than $15,000 for the Make A Wish Foundation. 

DAA of Huntsville equally has raised more than $55,000 for the local YMCA and American Cancer Society in 2018.

Giving back is something that is very important to chief executive David Andrews, who said, “We are so blessed with being able to be a part of so many amazing organizations. We really believe that supporting these local groups is the right thing to do.”

Roger Fields, general manager of DAA of Huntsville added, “It has amazed me what a group of dealers will do on a Tuesday morning at 10 am. In addition to opening their wallets with money contributions, these men and women have donated automobiles and numerous other items for our charity auctions.”

Dealers Auto Auction Group, which has seven locations in the Southeast, holds special events at each of their locations, including:

— DAA of Memphis has raised over $8,700 for organizations like the Boy Scouts of America, St Jude, American Cancer Society and a local food bank.

— DAA of Murfreesboro supports Mission Forces and has raised more than $33,000 in the past year.

— DAA of Chattanooga has raised over $10,000 for Toys for Tots, Forgotten Child and the American Red Cross.

— DAA of Mobile has raised $600 for Team Focus, a local youth organization.

“Dealers want to help support these local organizations” said Scott Keener, director of operation for DAAG.  “They really believe in giving back.”

Dealers Auto Auction Group was started back in 2001 with its first auction in Horn Lake Miss. For more information, visit www.dealersauto.com.

ATLANTA - 

As part of Manheim’s “Race to Give” program, Remarketing by Element is donating two emergency response vehicles to the American Red Cross.

Manheim locations across the country recently competed to win the companywide “Race to Give” fundraising initiative for a chance to win a vehicle donation provided by Remarketing by Element for their local Red Cross location's disaster relief fleet.

Manheim announced Tuesday that both its Manheim Statesville and Manheim Seattle locations dominated its nationwide fundraiser.

Along with donating a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu to Red Cross’ Greater Carolinas region location for Manheim Statesville, Remarketing by Element has also provided a  2015 Ford Escape for Manheim Seattle that will go to the humanitarian organization's Northwest region location.

“We often think of the Red Cross on a national scale, but their hyperlocal response helps individuals and families in our local communities every day,” Element Fleet Management vice president of asset remarketing Paul Seger said in a news release. “The Red Cross often does what no other organization can—and we’re honored to team up with Manheim to support this amazing organization.”

The two vehicle donations will enhance the Red Cross’ emergency response fleet that is used to deliver supplies and services to those impacted by disasters, according to Manheim.

“Emergency response vehicles are essential to Red Cross disaster relief operations,” American Red Cross regional chief executive officer Angela Broome Powley said. “They enable volunteers to travel to affected areas, deliver much-needed supplies and offer comfort to our neighbors.”

Manheim said that it teamed up with Remarketing by Element last year for its nationwide promotion where auction locations held several fundraising activities to win a chance to donate a vehicle to their local Red Cross location.

In addition to supporting the Red Cross with a blood drive and providing school supplies to 40 schools, Manheim Statesville also held a hurricane relief fundraiser and gave donations of winter survival kits, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

“Our team has a history of rallying around causes that can help improve the lives of those in our community, and it was heartening to see how they pulled out all the stops to support this important effort,” said Ellie Johnson, Manheim Statesville's general manager. “Knowing that we have a hand in helping the Red Cross get supplies and assistance to people in need is something we will cherish.”

Meanwhile, with donated items from employees, vendors and clients, Manheim Seattle held its 6th annual volunteer-driven charity auction that raised more than $32,000 for the Northwest regional headquarters of the American Red Cross.

“Going beyond Manheim’s corporate partnership with the American Red Cross, our more than 200 team members know it’s important to support individuals and families in our own backyard,” Manheim Seattle GM Greg Milam said. “This vehicle donation demonstrates our commitment to the community where we work and live.”

DALLAS - 

Alliance Auto Auction Group believes in giving back and selects a charity to support every year. 

Chief operating officer Christopher Dean and chief executive officer Tim Adams set out to find a local charity, one that had an impact on abused and exploited children. After attending a benefit dinner, and hearing about the Poiema Foundation, they knew they had found the charity to support.

Alliance Auto Auctions has partnered with the Poiema Foundation to help raise money for victims of human trafficking.  The Poiema Foundation is a local nonprofit that rescues sex trafficking victims, helps them with their healing and restoration journey and educates the public to raise awareness to help prevent sexual abuse, sex trafficking and other methods of sexual exploitation.

For every vehicle the auction group sells in 2018, it will donate a portion of the proceeds to the foundation.

“The goal is to raise $50,000 this year,” Adams said.  “In the first quarter, we were able to donate $15,000.

“On June 20th, we held a charity auction at our Dallas location and raised over $11,000, bringing the total to $26,000. We are very excited to see what our second quarter donations come in at,” Adams continued.

Dean added, “I am inspired by the generosity of our dealer partners who want to help and support this local organization. 

“This is an epidemic that is very real right here in Texas, and the support that we have received from our dealers including donated items for our charity auction, has been incredible,” Dean went on to say.

Founded in Texas in 2011, the Alliance mission was to establish personal and trusted relationships with all customers. Alliance is a rapidly growing family of auctions providing vehicle remarketing services to wholesale dealers and for commercial consignors.

A mantra of “Customer Service to the Extreme” is igniting the company’s expansion into new markets, including Abilene, Dallas, Longview and Waco. 

For more information, visit www.allianceautoauction.com.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. - 

June was a busy month for Scott Fink, the president and chief executive officer of Hyundai of New Port Richey — one of Hyundai’s top-selling certified pre-owned dealers and Auto Remarketing’s 2014 CPO Dealer of the Year.

Not only is Fink ensuring that certified metal continues to roll over the curb, but he is also chairman of the board of directors for Hyundai Hope On Wheels, the automaker’s philanthropic arm that gave out seven of its 21 planned $100,000 Hyundai Impact Awards. The honors and funds are given to pediatric oncology departments at select children’s hospitals nationwide.

“For 20 years, Hyundai and its dealers have dedicated their mission to saving lives and creating hope through Hyundai Hope On Wheels. We are proud of the research work that has been done and the lives that have been saved by the dedicated research community,” said Fink, whose store turned 1,072 certified Hyundai vehicles last year to rank second nationally, according to sales data shared by the automaker.

“We know that for too many pediatric cancers there remain little progress and few good treatment options for children. That’s why we provided these large awards to some of the finest research-scientists, who are finding new treatment approaches and better ideas to finding more cures for the disease,” Fink continued.

“We believe this is a fight we can win, and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to achieve that goal,” he went on to say.

In June alone, $100,000 Hyundai Impact Awards were distributed to:

— UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles

— Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children's Cancer and Hematology Clinic in McAllen, Texas

— Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital & Health Center in Tacoma, Wash.

— University of Wisconsin - American Family Children's Hospital in Madison, Wisc.

— Phoenix Children’s Hospital

— Children’s of Alabama and UAB in Birmingham, Ala.

— Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tenn.

And the pace didn’t slow to start July, as this week another $100,000 Hyundai Impact Award went to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.

“Throughout the country, talented doctors are working tirelessly to help kids fight cancer by conducting research or providing bedside care,” Fink said. “Our goal at Hope On Wheels is to provide these doctors with the grant funds they need to perform their lifesaving work.”

Begun in 1998 by Hyundai and its U.S. dealers, Hyundai Hope On Wheels is one of the longest continuously running initiatives in the auto industry and is dedicated to helping kids fight cancer. The program was started in the Boston area and quickly traveled to support children’s hospitals throughout the U.S. with research grants to help find cures and to improve care for children fighting cancer.

“A key priority for Hyundai dealers is to give back to society and to make sure children have the best possible future for success. We believe that future should be in a world that is free from pediatric cancer,” Fink said.

“We know that progress has been made in finding cures for pediatric cancer. With HHOW grants over the past 20 years, innovative therapies and new treatments have been developed,” he continued.

“The Hyundai dealers' across the nation are proud to support this important cause. But our work is not over, and you can count on the Hyundai dealers to remain committed to this fight for as long as it takes,” Fink went on to say.

For more information about Hyundai Hope On Wheels and to view a complete list of grant winners, visit HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org/research.