Lucky Limousine and Cab Company Donates Cars to M.A.S.H. Village and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; Business Bank Helps Put Deal Together

    LAS VEGAS--July 25, 2001--With the help of Business Bank of Nevada, two nonprofit organizations joined together today in a collaborative effort to accept several cars being donated to these groups by a locally owned and operated limousine and cab company.
    Jason Awad, owner and operator of Lucky Limousine and Cab Company and chairman of the board of Business Bank of Nevada, today presented representatives from M.A.S.H. Village and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) with the keys and titles to these vehicles.
    Awad recently approached other executives at Business Bank with the idea of donating expired cab company vehicles to charity instead of selling them on the open market. Through the bank's philanthropic involvement in the community, it was decided that M.A.S.H. Village and JDRF would be the recipients of what Awad hopes to be an ongoing philanthropic endeavor between his cab company and these nonprofit organizations.
    "We chose these two nonprofit groups because of the bank's active participation with these organizations and the quality work they do in our community," Awad said. "Community involvement through donations and volunteerism should be an important part of any business, and I'm proud to be associated with companies that make this a priority in their overall business philosophy."
    Awad added that he anticipates donating approximately 10 cars a year to these two nonprofit groups. Nevada law requires cab companies to replace their vehicles every four years. "The taxi cab authority in Las Vegas is the best in the country in making sure cab companies have the safest and most reliable vehicles on the road."
    M.A.S.H Village will in turn sell these vehicles to raise money for itself and JDRF. Each car should generate between $3,000 and $4,000 depending on the condition of the vehicle. Prior to donating these cars, Lucky Cab makes sure they have a fresh coat of paint, tune up, new tires and battery, and much more.
    "This is an amazing gesture on the part of Mr. Awad and his cab company, and we feel very honored to be one of the nonprofit organizations chosen for this generous donation," said Dean Collins, vice president and development director for M.A.S.H. Village. "The money raised from the sale of these vehicles will go a long way in helping a growing number of homeless families in our community get back on their feet."
    Collins added that M.A.S.H. Village is equally excited to be partnering with JDRF in this fundraising endeavor. M.A.S.H., one of only a handful of nonprofit organizations in the state licensed to sell donated vehicles, will sell the Lucky Cab cars at an auto auction and split the proceeds with JDRF.
    "We are excited to be collaborating with M.A.S.H Village and Lucky Cab Company in this wonderful and exemplary endeavor," said Wade Roberts, executive director for JDRF. "Mr. Awad is to be commended and recognized for his generosity and the wonderful example he sets for other companies to follow. The money raised from these vehicles will help us move one step closer to finding a cure for this devastating disease."
    Roberts added that the collaboration on this project with M.A.S.H. Village would pave the way for the two organizations to work together again on other worthwhile projects. "Companies want to see more cooperative spirit between nonprofit organizations, and if we don't see more collaboration in the nonprofit arena funding sources could begin to dry up."
    Business Bank's involvement in both M.A.S.H. Village and JDRF comes through its board participation and volunteer support, as well as cash and in-kind donations. Collins and Roberts each stated that today's donation will recognize Awad and Lucky Cab Company, along with Business Bank, as community partners making a major financial difference.
    Awad started his Lucky Cab and Limousine Company in 1990 with just a handful of vehicles. The company, located at 4195 W. Diablo near Valley View Boulevard, now has a fleet of over 100 vehicles serving the Las Vegas and Laughlin areas. Awad is also a prominent attorney in town and owns the legal firm of Awad and Associates.