LAS VEGAS — A new nationwide program that helps victims of domestic violence and abuse gain their freedom through the donation of refurbished cars has been launched by Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper. This unprecedented vehicle gift program is sponsored by the warehouses, parts stores and certified service centers flying the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper flags. Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, parent company of Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper, announced the new program yesterday at AAPEX.
Each group in the distribution channel will play a pivotal role in this program. Certified service centers will donate their labor; the warehouses and parts stores will furnish the necessary replacement parts to refurbish automobiles. All three groups will help solicit vehicle donations from their customers. These vehicles will benefit former victims who have escaped a domestic abuse environment and now require financial help in the form of basic, reliable transportation – but cannot afford to provide it themselves.
The last component of the distribution channel to join Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper in this momentous enterprise are the esteemed vendor partners that work with us every day. Approved vendors that have signed on are 3M, ASC Inc., Dayco Rubber Products, Dorman Products, East Penn Manufacturing Co., Exide Technologies, Federal-Mogul, Gates Rubber, Goodyear, Monroe Auto Equipment, Morse Brake, Proliance, Standard Motor Products, Valvoline Oil and Wix Filters.
The entire group of Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper shareholders, along with hundreds of parts stores and certified service centers, has allied with the Original 1-800 Charity Cars organization (Charity Cars, Inc. a 501-C-3 non-profit charity, FED ID #59-3362703) in a massive project to seek, secure and refurbish vehicles to be presented to more than 500 qualified recipients at grand award ceremonies to be held throughout 2007 in various locations across the nation.
The Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Charity Cars Campaign is believed to be one of the largest single charitable vehicle donations to victims of domestic violence in history.
“I’m so very proud of our entire membership for supporting this program and lending a helping hand. So many times people want to pull themselves up but just don’t have the means – no transportation or no money to get transportation,” said Richard Morgan, president and chief executive officer of Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, parent company to Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper. “This car give-away will help families within each community rebuild their lives and start fresh. There’s no better feeling than being a part of that.”
Certified service center owner Bill Hughes of Way’s Garage had this to say, “My shop is pleased to be able to help, especially because the help we’re giving is staying right here in our own backyard. My technicians and I are ready to do what we can from inspecting donated vehicles to getting them roadworthy by donating our time and vehicle repair talents.”
Vickie Wallace of Parts Warehouse, chairman of the campaign for the Little Rock, AR, shareholder, said, “When we started this program we knew it was going to be a big job but one that was definitely worth it. As we got farther and farther into the project, I was so impressed by our members who, when asked to, stepped up to the plate by offering donated parts or labor to restore these vehicles to a safe and roadworthy condition. I always knew our Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper members were the best – but now I have the proof!”
“We had the easy part,” replied Jim Harthorn of Auto-Wares, Inc. when asked about his stores’ participation. “All we had to do was talk to our customers about the donation program and see if they were interested in donating their old cars. If they were, we just got them in contact with the 1-800 Charity Cars people and they took it from there. The bottom line is we were happy to do what we could for this project – after all, automotive parts and helping maintain safe, roadworthy cars is our business!”
Each recipient of a donated car is truly appreciative of the efforts of everyone involved in the project. A prior recipient of a donated vehicle said it the best, “Thanks so much for allowing me to take charge of my own life…I will succeed!”
“Every donated vehicle will go through an inspection to determine if it qualifies for the program,” said Steve Marks, senior vice president of marketing and advertising for
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper. “All refurbished vehicles will carry the Confidence Plus 12-month/12,000-mile warranty on all replacement parts and labor. Charity Cars will supply the initial down payment for vehicle insurance, license and title fees. Refurbished vehicles will be on display at participating shops until the local grand award ceremony.”
“1-800 Charity Cars is honored to be partnering with such a dynamic group that is taking the lead on a project of this proportion,” stated Rose Hill. “I truly believe everyone involved in this program will benefit from their participation — the people who donated their used cars, the warehouses and parts stores that provided parts and the certified service centers that conducted the refurbishment. Being a part of a campaign like this not only generates good will in local communities; it gives a feeling of satisfaction that ‘I was part of something really special’.”
Stay tuned next week for our exclusive interview with Alliance President and CEO, Richard Morgan, who will talk more about the new charity cars program.
