Toyota, Bodine Aluminum Donate $150,000 in Jackson

New gifts follow $100,000 donated earlier for Red Cross tornado relief efforts

JACKSON, Tenn., Nov. 3 -- Six Jackson area charities and organizations were awarded a total of $150,000 today by Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America (TMMNA) during the groundbreaking ceremony for its Bodine Aluminum plant.

These gifts follow the company's $100,000 donation earlier this year to the American Red Cross for tornado relief efforts.

"It is obvious to us that you are working hard to rebuild your beautiful community, and we will help you do just that," said Dennis Cuneo, TMMNA senior vice president, while awarding two more tornado-related gifts.

The City of Jackson received $25,000 to beautify the downtown area with trees and landscaping as the tornado damage is repaired. Madison County received $25,000 to landscape around Denmark Elementary School and Jackson Middle School, which were destroyed but will be reconstructed.

Toyota and Bodine also distributed tree seedlings to the 300 groundbreaking ceremony attendees, and asked that they be planted in the community.

"The seedling is symbolic of Toyota and Bodine putting down roots in Jackson," Cuneo said, "and it's also a great way to support the community's rebuilding efforts."

In addition, Toyota and Bodine donated $25,000 to each of the following charities:

   - the Jackson Area Council on Alcoholism;
   - the Center for Adult Reading;
   - the Cerebral Palsy Association;
   - and, the Exchange Club/Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child
     Abuse.

Construction of the Bodine Aluminum engine block casting plant begins early next year, and production is scheduled to begin in late 2005. The plant will eventually employ 200.