AudaExplore, a Solera Company, announced a $40,000 donation to 1-800 Charity Cars to help underwrite the nonprofit organization’s critical role in furthering the goals of the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides program.
As both a nonprofit organization and a licensed car dealer, the original 1-800 Charity Cars provides support to NABC members to coordinate the titling and registration of vehicles donated through the Recycled Rides program.
“This critical facet of the Recycled Rides process is what has enabled the National Auto Body Council and its members to successfully grow the program, donate nearly 1,000 vehicles and positively change the lives of thousands of individuals,” said Rick Tuuri, vice president of AudaExplore and NABC board member and chairman of Recycled Rides. “We are truly proud to support Recycled Rides and 1-800 Charity Cars.”
As part of the Recycled Rides program, insurance, rental car or salvage companies that donate vehicles first sign the title over to 1-800 Charity Cars, which assumes responsibility for the vehicle while it is being repaired at NABC’s member body shops. While the vehicle is under repair, 1-800 Charity Cars signs all necessary liability releases and completes necessary documents required state by state to transfer the title and register the vehicle to the recipient. As a nonprofit organization, 1-800 Charity Cars is also able to provide participating donors with documentation for tax purposes.
“Since the inception of Recycled Rides, Tony Aquila, our founder and CEO, recognized the immeasurable value of this program to bring together all facets of the collision industry for a common cause and encouraged me to get more involved,” said Tuuri. “Our support of 1-800 Charity Cars represents AudaExplore’s appreciation and commitment to the important work by the National Auto Body Council and our colleagues in the industry to give back to our local communities through the Recycled Rides program.”
Established in 1996, 1-800 Charity Cars is considered the pioneer of the free car ownership concept to provide free donated vehicles to assist struggling families in their transition from dependency to self-sufficiency. The organization operates the largest free non-profit car donation and distribution program in the country and has awarded over 6,000 free vehicles nationwide.
“NABC’s partnership with 1-800 Charity Cars has been invaluable in the success of Recycled Rides over the years,” said Chuck Sulkala, executive director of the NABC. “We applaud and thank AudaExplore for its generous contribution to help ensure we have the resources necessary to keep growing this program.”
Brian Menzies of 1-800-Charity Cars added, “We are honored to play a role in NABC’s Recycled Rides program and are extremely grateful to AudaExplore for underwriting our costs. We are so proud to be associated with such wonderful men and women who selflessly give their time and talents to make Recycled Rides such a success. One can think of few programs that impact the lives of individuals as dramatically and immediately as Recycled Rides.”
