'Lithia Back to School Challenge' Raises Money for Area Teachers

POCATELLO, Idaho, Oct. 5, 2006 -- According to a popular website, the average American teacher spends more than $600 from their own pocket to buy classroom materials. The fact that teachers spend their own (after tax) dollars on equipment for their employer serves as an incredible testament of their dedication to our children. Now, three area Lithia dealerships are helping teachers reduce this burden.

The Lithia Back to School Challenge earmarked money from each Chrysler, Dodge, Hyundai, and Honda car sold and each car serviced over a three month period between July 1 and September 30, 2006. United Way assisted in the administering of the funds and forecasts the total Lithia Back to School Challenge donation to exceed $15,000. The official donation will be made on October 5 at 4:30 p.m. at Honda of Pocatello, 1350 Yellowstone Ave., Pocatello, ID 83201 and will be presented to Superintendent Dr. Mary Vagner. All teachers, media and interested residents are encouraged to attend.

Dave Heiter, General Manager of Lithia Chrysler Dodge of Pocatello and Lithia Hyundai of Pocatello, said, "We are thrilled to make this contribution to our teachers and students. We live in this community and want to do everything possible to support our teachers and schools."

School Superintendent, Dr. Mary Vagner, said, "We, at the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District are grateful to Lithia for orchestrating such a meaningful program. The Pocatello community is exceedingly generous."

Dave Cooper, General Manager of Honda Pocatello, added, "This was the initial Lithia Back to School Challenge. We've learned a lot and through it all gained an even greater appreciation for our teachers and their professional approach. Therefore, it is my privilege to announce that the Lithia Back to School Challenge will become an annual event! We look forward to developing this partnership and providing even more funds in the future."

The participating Lithia dealerships are: Honda of Pocatello, Lithia Chrysler Dodge of Pocatello and Lithia Hyundai of Pocatello. The program set aside $25 from each Chrysler, Dodge, Hyundai, and Honda car sold and $5 from each vehicle serviced during a three month period between July 1 and September 30. The money will go to K - 12 grade teachers in District 25. United Way of Southeastern Idaho is administering the funds to ensure that the entire donation goes directly to supporting our teachers.

For more on the program or our dealerships, visit us on the web at http://www.lithiapocatello.com/ or call Andrew Baker at (208) 323-5107.