A local Palm Springs, Calif.-area single mother of two, working two jobs to support her family, received keys to a completely refurbished 2013 Chevrolet Cruze at the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) annual golf fundraiser. The vehicle was donated by Hertz and refurbished by Pacific Elite Collision. The recipient, Olimpia Ruiz, was selected by Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Desert.
This is the fourth year in a row that Hertz, Pacific Elite Collision and Variety have teamed up locally to donate a vehicle to a local resident during the NABC’s annual golf fundraiser.
“Hertz Corporation is proud to partner with Pacific Elite Collision and our colleagues in the collision industry to support the important work of local service organizations like Variety, which provides valuable community services to families here in the Coachella Valley,” said Scott Bridges, Hertz vice president, Replacement Sales.
Added Steve Vettel and Mike Salyards of Pacific Elite Collision, “Lack of reliable transportation can be such a challenge for struggling families, especially in a community like ours here in Palm Springs where public transportation is limited. Recycled Rides is a great program which provides our team members with opportunities to donate their time and skills and make a positive impact.”
Since the inception of the Recycled Rides program in 2007, members of NABC have donated more than 1,000 cars to deserving individuals and nonprofit service organizations.
“Members of the National Auto Body Council are dedicated professionals who are committed to giving back to their local communities,” said Nick Notte, NABC board president. “We thank and congratulate Hertz, the presenting sponsor of our annual golf fundraiser, and Pacific Elite Collision for their generosity and efforts which will undoubtedly make a significant impact in the life of this year’s recipient.”
NABC’s annual industry-wide golf fundraiser is the organization’s single largest fundraising event which raises funds to support its nationwide community service programs.
In addition to Recycled Rides, NABC members also host the First Responder Emergency Extrication Program, which provides hands-on opportunities to practice life-saving techniques on late-model vehicles, and the Distracted Driving Initiative to help eliminate texting-while-driving habits.
