South Florida Auto-Truck Dealer Association Gives Back To Communities

MIAMI, Oct. 24, 2003 -- Because of unusual demands on its economy during the last few years, America has seen its communities rely increasingly on charitable activities. After all, good will is one way to fight bad news. And it works best at the local level.

The South Florida Auto-Truck Dealers Association, sponsors of the 33rd annual South Florida International Auto Show, understands.

For more than 30 years, the association has maintained an annual program of giving back to the communities it serves in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties.

Local chapters of such national charities as Habitat for Humanity, McDonald House Charities, Easter Seals and Boys and Girls Clubs share with such local charities as Sheridan House, Parkway Academy and others in donations which exceed $1 million annually. Other association and dealership events fill the calendar with civic, educational, youth, cultural and other activities.

Events sponsored by individual dealerships have an impact, too. Dealer association president, Loren Sheffer, has first-hand experience. He worked with Delray Beach police and school officials to open a temporary "campus" for a high school drop-out program. His dealership, Borton Volvo/Volkswagen, provided meeting space for career counseling, GED courses and auto repair classes. A silent auction and sales blitz party at the dealership helped raise money for the special program aimed at youngsters who once committed crimes. "Now they're learning skills and getting jobs," said Sheffer. "They're starting a whole new life."

The South Florida Auto-Truck Dealers Association was formed in 1933. With 220 dealership members, it's now larger than some state auto dealer groups. The association originally was formed to share marketing opportunities and control costs. Now it helps administer consumer issues. It operates a tag agency for the convenience of customers. And it coordinates charitable giving in the four-county region.

The auto shows it sponsors also contribute to the local economy. The South Florida International Auto Show, now in its 33rd year, attracts nearly 650,000 visitors during its 10-day run and is estimated to generate more than $50 million in revenue for South Florida.