Mike’s Auto Body recently completed an expansion of its Napa, Calif., location and on August 9th, the company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a vehicle presentation as part of their Benevolence program.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by a vehicle presentation to war veteran Cassidy Nolan, a 26-year-old Napa Valley Community College (NVC) student, who was recently honored in Sacramento as the 2016 Veteran of the Year for the 4th Assembly District. This vehicle was provided by Hertz Rent A Car, which marks their third year of involvement in the program. This was the 60th vehicle that Mike’s Auto Body has given away as part of its Benevolence Program.

Nolan was sponsored to receive a completely refurbished 2015 Chrysler 200 by the Pathway Home in Napa that provides veterans with educational, professional and clinical support designed to enhance their lives following military service. Eight technicians at Mike’s Auto Body also donated their time to refurbish the vehicle, under the direction of Brad Woodland, who manages the Napa location.

“This is a phenomenal gift and we are extremely grateful,” said Nolan. “It will enable us to continue performing our service to veterans here in Napa through my involvement in the Veteran’s Club at NVC, where we have approximately 200 veterans enrolled there. We love this vehicle and we are hoping one day that our daughters can drive it to and from school, many years from now.” In addition to the refurbished vehicle, the Nolan family also received one year of insurance paid for by Mike’s Auto Body and provided by Napa State Farm Agent Melinda Adams.

In addition, Mike’s Auto Body also donated a trunk load of gifts for the Nolan family. Sal Contreras at Mike’s Auto Body has been involved in the company’s Benevolence Program since its inception, but he always gets excited when he sees each recipient’s eyes as they see their car for the very first time.

“It is very satisfying, that’s for sure,” said Contreras. “We have been doing this for a long time, with exactly 60 cars given away now. Mike Rose and his family made a commitment to helping the community in every area where we do business many years ago and the Benevolence Program has become the cornerstone of all our charitable efforts here at Mike’s Auto Body.”

A Color Guard from American Legion Post 113-Napa, led by Greg Anderson from the Sons of the American Legion, Squad 113, began the festivities. The Pink Heals organization was also in attendance with their all-pink fire engine.

Several local dignitaries were also on hand, including Napa Mayor Jill Techel; California Assemblyman Bill Dodd; Lorena Barrera representing Congressman Mike Thompson who gave Mike Rose a Special Certificate of Congressional Recognition; Kate Berquist, a board of director’s member from the Pathway Home; Richard Chan for Hertz Rent A Car and distinguished members of the Napa Chamber of Commerce and Napa Rotary, as well as local vendors that donated parts and mechanical services for the car giveaway.

The expansion of this facility, located on Vallejo Street in Napa, added 1,950 square feet of new offices including a new lobby and on-site parking. Owner Mike Rose is pleased about the expansion to his location, which opened three years ago. “We’re excited about the new expansion and how it’s going to help our operations to become even more efficient,” he said. “I also believe the new structure will enhance the neighborhood. It’s going to be nice and we’re delighted to be able to provide jobs that help the local economy and the community.”