METAIRIE, LA – Clean Fleet Auto Body, 4432 Hearst St., in Metairie, LA, is going to donate a restored used car, insurance and a trunk load of gifts to one deserving family whose life would be changed forever if given their own means of transportation.
David Raymond, Clean Fleet’s operations manager, said the vehicle, which was donated by Moon’s Towing, is almost finished and they will hold a presentation of the Benevolence vehicle at Clean Fleet on Friday, December 18, 2015, at 2:30 p.m. to a deserving recipient at a Patron Party.
It’s the second time since 2011 that Clean Fleet will be giving away a car through its Benevolence Program, but it’s the first time they’ll be hosting a Benevolence Fundraiser.
On Sunday, November 29, 2015, at Southport Music Hall, 200 Monticello Ave., doors will open at 11:00 a.m., and fundraiser attendees will get to watch the Saints v. Texans game that will be broadcast on multiple screens during the event.
There will also be entertainment, a live DJ spinning in between the game, a live auction, a raffle and door prizes.
The dress? Saints Jersey optional.
“Every day vehicles are abandoned or ‘written off,’ by owners or insurance companies due to mechanical issues or body damage,” Raymond said. “Some of these vehicles are only years old with minimal damage. Often times with a little restoration, these cars can be returned to the road in perfectly safe driving condition. We, at Clean Fleet Auto Body, believe these cars are going to waste and we’ve decided to do something about it.
“In 2011 many local businesses in our community teamed up to make our first ever Benevolence Program possible with donations of parts, materials and services toward restoring the vehicle,” he said. “Gifts and groceries were also donated making that event a real community effort. We are truly grateful to everyone who participated. This year we are proud to host our second Clean Fleet Auto Body Benevolence Program.”
Raymond said they will gift the vehicle to applicants who are looking to receive a “hand up, not a hand out,” and are working hard to become independent but lack of reliable transportation interferes with their current and future economic status.
Applicants wishing to qualify submitted a one-page narrative by Sunday, November 1, explaining how the vehicle would assist their family to become more self-sufficient.
“We are looking again to the businesses and individuals in our community to make Benevolence an amazing program,” Raymond said. “Our goal is to reward the family with not only a vehicle, but to cover any expenses associated with the vehicle for at least one year. Any monetary donations, whether it be $10, $50, $100 or $1,000, will go toward the purchase of parts, insurance, gas cards and oil changes. We are also accepting groceries, toys or anything anyone might like to donate to make one family’s holiday season extra special this year.”
Raymond said all donors will be recognized by name or logo on a stage billboard and will be announced over the microphone during the presentation and throughout the Friday, December 18, Patron Party event. Any food or beverage donations for the party from local restaurants, caterers, and food/ beverage distributors will be greatly appreciated, he said.
Tickets for the First Annual Benevolence Fundraiser on Sunday, November 29, cost $50. Sponsorship levels include:
• Platinum Sponsors $2,500
• Gold Sponsors $1,000
• Silver Sponsors $250
Ticket prices cover food and drinks, including alcohol.
RSVP by Friday, November 20, here.
