HOUSTON, Texans – Pennzoil has announced it will continue its support of Paralyzed Veterans of America. In 2013, Pennzoil will donate $250,000 to Paralyzed Veterans of America’s "Mission: ABLE" program, which helps veterans with disabilities get the care, benefits and jobs that they’ve earned and deserve. Through the Mission: ABLE program, veterans with disabilities are able to reconnect with driving and regain their love of the car.
This is the second year for the Pennzoil and Paralyzed Veterans of America relationship. This year, Pennzoil is taking the program to another level by allocating a portion of its $250,000 donation toward retrofitting three brand-new vehicles specially designed for injured veterans. The special, customized vehicle modifications meet the needs of paralyzed veterans, often including the removal of seats, installation of hand-controls or mounting ramps for more ease when entering and exiting the vehicle.
“One of the freedoms most of us take for granted is the ability to get in our vehicles and drive. A freedom all of us can help give back to those injured veterans who defended our freedom,” said Bree Sandlin, Pennzoil global brand manager. “As we witnessed first-hand in 2012, a retrofitted vehicle has the ability to give these inspiring veterans back their sense of independence and their love of the car and open road.”
Last Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, 2012, Pennzoil and Paralyzed Veterans of America presented three deserving veterans with vehicles at the Phoenix International Raceway. At the presentation, Jason Morgan, Lonn Cunningham and Ronald Courteau Jr., were each presented with a retrofitted Dodge vehicle specific for their needs as part of the Pennzoil Long Love Cars campaign.
“Paralyzed Veterans of America’s relationship and vehicle donation with Pennzoil last year created one of our most inspiring programs to date, leaving our members with a renewed sense of freedom, self-expression and independence,” said Bill Lawson, national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America and automobile enthusiast. “We appreciate all of the support Pennzoil has given to Paralyzed Veterans of America through our Mission: ABLE program, and we look forward to another successful and groundbreaking year together."
Consumers will have a unique opportunity to join Pennzoil and help drive support for Paralyzed Veterans of America by purchasing an oil change with any qualifying Pennzoil motor oils this March and April. Participating locations will be running a promotion to allow consumers to take care of their cars, while helping take care of their veterans at the same time.
Building on the success of the first year of the Pennzoil and Paralyzed Veterans of America relationship, Paralyzed Veterans will present Pennzoil with the prestigious Achieve-ABLE award. The Award is given in recognition of support from Pennzoil as a Mission: ABLE sponsor through the Pennzoil Long Love Cars campaign, which helps ensure disabled veterans have access to what they need most: care, benefits and jobs. The award presentation will take place at the annual Paralyzed Veterans Americana Gala on Oct. 2, 2013, at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C.
“We applaud Pennzoil for helping paralyzed veterans fully live the lives they deserve and helping to restore the sense of freedom and independence that is so often lost after injury,” said Lawson. “We will be proud to present this award that will bring high visibility and recognition for Pennzoil and the Long Love Cars campaign before an audience of members of Congress, senior military, and leadership for the Department of Veterans Affairs, our sponsors, veterans and colleagues in the community of veteran service organizations.”
To get involved and stay up-to-date on the latest Pennzoil activities and programs supporting Paralyzed Veterans of America, ‘Like’ the official Pennzoil Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/Pennzoil) and follow the official Pennzoil Twitter page (www.twitter.com/Pennzoil).
