TYSONS, Va. –

Annette Sykora said providing assistance is an auto industry hallmark.

Sykora, who is chair of the NADA Foundation and dealer principal of Smith South Plains Ford Lincoln in Levelland, Texas, was discussing a recent $25,000 donation from global lifestyle and housing services provider Assurant to the National Automobile Dealers Association Foundation’s Emergency Relief Fund.

“The Emergency Relief Fund helps us support our own, but we cannot do so without the support of dealers and our industry partners,” Sykora said in a news release.

Assurant provides services that support, protect and connect major consumer purchases such as automobiles, and to support the Emergency Relief Fund’s mission, the company presented a check last week at the first-ever virtual NADA Show.

The Emergency Relief Fund began in 1992, offering financial help for auto and truck dealership employees who have been impacted by natural disasters.

That help was needed last year. The fund distributed more than $430,000 to 433 dealership families affected by Hurricanes Laura and Sally in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Texas, and wildfires in Oregon and the powerful derecho in Iowa.

“Assurant is proud to support the NADA Foundation’s Emergency Relief Fund that provides financial assistance to dealership employees affected by natural disasters,” said Assurant global automotive president John Laudenslager.

Laudenslager also said, “The Assurant Foundation strengthens communities by supporting charitable partners that help protect where people live and can thrive, connect with local resources, inspire inclusion, and prepare leaders of the future.”

More details about the NADA Foundation’s Emergency Relief Fund are available.

“We are so thankful for Assurant’s generous donation that will help dealership families in times of great need,” Sykora said.