MT. LAUREL, N.J. -

In a show of support for those affected by Hurricane Sandy, vehicle fleet management firm ARI and its parent company, Holman Automotive Group, made a $50,000 donation to the American Red Cross.

The check presentation, made on Dec. 12 at ARI, is meant to aid ongoing efforts to support storm victims as they rebuild. 

“So many people continue to be affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy,” said Mindy Holman, president and chief executive officer of Holman Automotive.

“The American Red Cross has played such a critical role helping those who lost so much due to the storm, and we hope that this donation will support the important work that still needs to be done to ensure our communities come back stronger than ever before,” she said.  

Holman also noted that employees of Holman Automotive and ARI, some of whom were also impacted by the storm, contributed food, blankets, clothing, pet food and other critical supplies that went directly to those in need, and made donations to the American Red Cross. Many also continue to volunteer in cleanup efforts.

ARI president Carl Ortell said, “The severity and magnitude of this storm was like nothing our area has ever experienced before. I am proud but not surprised at how our employees rallied together when they saw the enormous need created by Hurricane Sandy, even those who were faced with dealing with the storm’s aftermath themselves.

“As the cleanup continues and the rebuilding begins, our commitment to helping those in need remains constant, and we will continue to seek out ways to help those who have been affected by this historic storm,” Ortell said.

Company officials said an emphasis on community service and giving back were critically important to Holman Automotive founder Steward Holman, and still influence the organization’s operations today, as employees volunteer with community organizations to raise funds supporting multiple local, regional and national causes.