Findlay Hyundai and Findlay Buick GMC support shelter through car sales.
“It feels good to give back,” said Findlay Hyundai General Manager Ben Hollibaugh. “We’re local people, too and committed to our community. It’s a tough time of year, especially for people in these situations.”
Throughout October, the auto dealers conducted a fundraising event in which $250 was set aside from vehicles sold during the month. That added up to $18,250 delivered on giant checks to Prescott Area Shelter Services (PASS).
“It never ceases to amaze me how local business and community members take care of their community members who are deeply struggling with daily living and provide the resources needed to help with a hand up,” said Prescott Area Shelter Services Executive Director Carmen Frederic.
Findlay Buick GMC General Manager Aaron Weinzetl said the benefits of the campaign were twofold: being able to give back to the local community and also having the support of the Findlay Automotive Group. “It’s what the Findlays have always done, and it feels great to work for a company that does that.”
The auto dealers said the campaign helped promote the work that PASS does and noted that customers felt good knowing their purchase supported the non-profit organization. “The educational aspect was really cool with just the amount of people coming in the door who weren’t even aware of PASS,” said Hollibaugh. “They loved that some of the money was going toward that cause.”
Frederic said the funds will be used to support emergency shelter costs and programs. Wheels to Work assists with gas cards and taxi vouchers to help individuals get to job interviews and work. Smile with Confidence is a dental health program. The Homeless Transition program assists with rental and utility deposits for homes. Donations also help children with clothing, tutoring and school supplies.
“The fundraiser that both dealerships worked on was amazing and generous!” she said. “The funds earned will go directly to the most vulnerable in our community and we can’t thank everyone enough!”
Founded in 2007, PASS offers a temporary, emergency 26-bed shelter for guests and has served more than 3,000 women, men and children with more than 105,000 bed nights.
Weinzetl said the stores are starting to have employees pick Prescott area non-profit organizations that they’d like to help. “Employees will be at the forefront of getting the awareness out there, spreading the word and keeping the support local in the Quad Cities area.” QCBN
By Betsey Bruner, QCBN
Photo courtesy of Clay McCauslin: With two giant checks, Findlay Buick GMC General Manager Aaron Weinzetl, PASS Program Director Katee Norris, PASS Executive Director Carmen Frederic, PASS Marketing Director Julie Brown Pflueger and Findlay Hyundai General Manager Ben Hollibaugh wrap up the fundraising campaign with smiles of gratitude.
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