Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association Donated over $100,000 to Kids and Americans Alike
PORTLAND, Ore. (PRWEB) August 06, 2013 -- The Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association (MPNCDA) announced today their donation of over $100,000 to three local charities as part of the Portland International Auto Show season. The three recipients, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland, JDRF and the American Heart Association, received their big checks on August 6th during a celebration luncheon.
“On behalf of all of our member dealers who make the annual auto show a success, we are proud to be able to donate these funds to support local programs. For example, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland could hire two full time staff or be able to put 50 children through their literacy education program,” said Greg Remensperger, executive vice president, Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association.
A large sum of the total was donated on behalf of funds raised at the first annual First Look Charity Preview Party, a benefit event held the evening before doors open to the Portland International Auto Show. The Charity Preview Party is a behind the scenes experience of the auto show that is one night only and kicks off the four days of events and activities. The Portland International Auto Show hopes the annual Charity Preview Party will become a hot ticket because 100 percent of the ticket price goes directly to the charities. Food, beverages and entertainment are provided by the MPNCDA. “We want people to walk away from the event having had a great time and knowing they opened their wallet once for the ticket with 100 percent of the ticket price going to the charity of their choice,” stated Remensperger.
Judy Summers, executive director of JDRF and recipient of $34,200 said, “The Charity Preview Party is a neat opportunity to see cars and eat and drink fabulous food and beverages. We are so thankful that we were selected again as a 2014 charity.” Summers also said a partnership with auto dealers would help JDRF get the word out to cure Type 1 diabetes.
CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland, Erin Hubert, said, “It was a really fun night and different than the usual charity fundraising events.” Additionally, “this partnership gives us a whole new audience to support the clubs and the money we received could help us put 50 kids through a specially designed literacy program.” When asked about being chosen again for the 2014 Charity Preview Party, Hubert stated, “Greg [Remensperger] got a standing ovation from our board because it is so exciting that every single dollar goes to us to help more kids have fun and learn in a safe place.”
Lanette Day, executive director of the American Heart Association shared, “The $32,000 received will fund innovative research into the prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke, the number one and number four causes of death in America, and it enables AHA to fight for stronger public health policies, improve the quality of healthcare nationwide, and provide lifesaving information to all Americans.”
The MPNCDA also announced their charity selections for the 2014 First Look Charity Preview Party where attendees choose one of four charities to receive the funds from ticket sales, Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland, JDRF, Meals on Wheels and Providence Portland Medical Foundation.
About First Look Charity Preview Party:
See the Auto Show before it opens. The official kickoff event of the Portland International Auto Show, the Charity Preview Party is the evening before the show opens, on February 5, 2014, where each $100 ticket benefits one of four local charities. This is a fundraising event like no other, where 100 percent of the ticket price benefits local charities and attendees get a unique behind the curtain look at the auto show along with food, entertainment, cocktails and local wines.
About MPNCDA:
Established in 1914, the Metro Portland New Car Dealers Association has operated as the advocate organization for the economic, educational and charitable activities related to the region’s automobile industry. Its mission is to promote the economic livelihood of consumers and franchised new car dealers throughout Portland metro area communities. The association currently represents over 100 franchised new car and truck dealers. The association understands the value of giving back to the community through both charitable activities and support of educational programs. The association and member dealers have donated millions of dollars to Oregon nonprofit organizations.
About the 2013 and 2014 Charity Preview Party Beneficiaries:
American Heart Association (2013) – A national organization on a mission to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Portland (2013, 2014) – A local organization providing a safe and healthy environment for kids in our community.
JDRF (2013, 2014) – The leading global organization focused on finding a cure for diabetes and its complications through support and research.
Meals On Wheels (2014) – Where no senior will go hungry or experience social isolation.
Providence Portland Medical Foundation (2014) – A local organization building a better medical facility for temporary patients and families in residence.
For more information:
http://www.portlandnewcars.com
http://www.portlandautoshow.com
https://www.facebook.com/PortlandAutoShow
Holly Windler, Germinate Marketing, http://www.portlandnewcars.com, +1 (503) 805-3683, [email protected]
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