The Auto Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia Launches the CARing for Kids Foundation
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 5, 2004 -- The Auto Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia (ADAGP), producers of the Philadelphia International Auto Show, announced today the formation of the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation. The newly established Foundation is an extension of the organization's Auto Dealers CARing for Kids community service program and is a recognized 501c(3) public charity, allowing contributors to make a tax- deductible donation to the Foundation.
The Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation will primarily engage in community service efforts by funding child-related programs that improve the lives and welfare of children in Greater Philadelphia and continuing the organization's decade long relationship with The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. It will also sponsor educational and safety programs relating to the new motor vehicle industry in Pennsylvania and make grants to other charitable organizations that conduct programs related to these interests.
"Our industry is comprised of a group of involved business leaders who care deeply about the community in which we conduct business," said Jay Haenn, president of the Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia and co-owner of Lansdale Chrysler Jeep. "Children are our area's most precious resource and the formation of the Foundation will allow us to build on our community service activities in support of children and surpass the $2.5 million raised over the past decade by the ADAGP for various child- related causes, including The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia."
One dollar for every attendee to the Philadelphia International Auto Show has been pledged by the ADAGP to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia through the Auto Dealer's CARing for Kids Foundation. Last year, thanks to record-breaking attendance at the show, the ADAGP donated $231,609 to The Children's Hospital. In addition, the Foundation now manages the Black Tie Tailgate charitable gala, which takes place the evening before the opening day of the Auto Show.
To kick off the Foundation, the ADAGP and its dealer members have seeded it with $1,200,000. The ADAGP will donate staff time, equipment and space associated with Foundation business.
"We are very proud to be in the position to launch the Foundation with such strong monetary support," said Haenn. "It is a credit to the success of the ADAGP and its programs, including the Auto Show and the Black Tie Tailgate."
The Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation Board is an independent entity comprised of nine Trustees and five at-large positions each with a three-year term, elected by ADAGP Board of Directors. Serving as Executive Members will be Chuck Peterson of Bryner Chevrolet, Jay Haenn of Lansdale Chrysler/Jeep, Glenn Davis of Davis Pontiac and Jim Peruto of Kennan Automotive Group. Elected as At-Large Trustees are Dan Polett of Wilkie Chevrolet/Buick, Kerry Pacifico of Pacific Ford, David Penske of Penske Chevrolet and Mark Frankel and Jay Dunphy of Dunphy Ford. The Executive Director of the Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation is Kevin Mazzucola.
About the ADAGP
The ADAGP, established in 1904, is the oldest association of its kind in the nation. The association, comprised of 220 franchised new car and truck dealers throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, leads lobbying efforts, provides education and training seminars, conducts a Sales Training Academy to recruit new individuals into the retail automotive industry, and owns and produces the Philadelphia International Auto Show.
The 2004 Philadelphia International Auto Show rolls into the Pennsylvania Convention Center from January 31 to February 8. For more information about the 2004 Philadelphia International Auto Show, visit the show's official Web site at www.phillyautoshow.com.