East Norriton, Pa., September 1, 2011 – Today, approximately 160 dealer members of the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation kicked off the one-of-a-kind WE PLEDGE month of the 2011 Driving Away the Cold program.
Developed in January of 2008 by the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation, Driving Away the Cold is a philanthropic initiative that possesses one important mission—to provide new winter coats to underprivileged children living in the five-county region of Philadelphia. Since the program’s inception, the Foundation, along with its participating dealer members, has warmed both the body and souls of more than 56,000 area children in need and it continues those efforts today.
“Every summer, we begin inviting our dealer members to partake in this unique program,” said Kevin Mazzucola, executive director of the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation and the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia. “Over the last four years, we’ve asked them to participate during times of industry turmoil, economic recessions and more. However, the response has never been anything short of impressive and heartwarming. More than 160 local dealerships have registered to participate in the 2011 program, which is our largest group of participants thus far, and we could not be more proud of their commitment to this program and the people of their communities. It’s commendable.”
To help encourage participation, the program is designed to be turn-key for each dealership involved. Every year, the Foundation jump starts the annual program with a donation of 10,000 new child-size coats to the overall effort. The Foundation then invites area new car dealers to continue the giving by participating in a special month-long campaign titled WE PLEDGE. Through the WE PLEDGE campaign, participating dealerships agree to donate an additional brand new winter coat to a child in need when a vehicle is sold on-site during the month of September. Next, throughout October, the thousands of coats pledged are distributed through a number of regional social service agencies, community organizations, homeless shelters and more.
“It’s all about putting coats on the backs of as many children as possible,” added Mazzucola. “As a collective unit, we’ve distributed 56,000 coats to date and we hope to add a significant amount to our grand total this year.”
The 2011 final donation total will be announced on October 13 at 10:00a.m. during a special press event at the headquarters of the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation located at 3311 Swede Road in East Norriton, Pa. All media are encouraged to attend.
The Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation extends its gratitude to Chester County-based Operation Warm, which will help secure the amount of pledged coats through its respective coat suppliers.