Above / “Driven to Care” vehicle recipients share their delight as they posed for a group photo on Dec. 8, 2016.
Thursday evening Loaves & Fishes Community Services, in conjunction with Continental Motors Group, hosted the sixth annual “Driven to Care” event in Hodgkins, continuing their collective tradition of giving back to the communities they serve.
“Together, these partners brought joy to eight area families this holiday season by presenting each family with the wheels they need to get back on the road and back on track to improving their lives,” noted Erin O’Connor on behalf of Loaves and Fishes. “At the event, each deserving family received a quality used vehicle to drive off the lot.”
Continental Motors Group is continuing its strong tradition of giving back to the communities they have served for more than 50 years with a contribution that sustains well beyond the holiday season. For the sixth consecutive year, the auto dealer teamed up with Loaves and Fishes Community Services – which integrated July 1, 2016, with Naperville CARES and its car program – to put eight area families in need back on the road.
“Many families in Chicagoland are just one missed paycheck away from a major financial crisis,” said Joel Weinberger, Dealer Principal of Continental Motors Group. “A ‘bump’ in the road can be worse without an independent and reliable means of transportation.”
To be eligible to receive the quality used vehicles provided by Continental Motors Group, the families completed an application process through the Loaves & Fishes CARES Program.
“We’re working with a great charity,” said Weinberger, “and it’s incredibly gratifying for us to help those who not only want a car, but are in genuine need of a car. Over the past five years, we’ve seen our donated vehicles have a huge positive impact in the lives of the recipients.”
Janet Derrick, Vice President of CARES Programs at Loaves & Fishes agrees.
“This event connects the incredible donation of Continental Motors Group with hardworking families to provide hope and stability,” Derrick stated. “Forty families have had their lives transformed because of Continental’s generosity.”
“Compassion and empathy are part of our core values. It’s how we were raised. We couldn’t be more excited to be in the fortunate position of being able to give back to our community in a very special way that relates to our business,” said Weinberger. “Cars are just metal, rubber and plastic and the Driven to Care program gives them a heart.”
According to O’Connor, the Weinberger family (Cheryl Nelson is part of the family) made a huge presentation of the vehicles, each adorned with a big bow. Each recipient also was given a tutorial about his or her car.
“It truly was a festive atmosphere and the joy, emotion and gratitude felt by the new owners was very evident,” added O’Connor. “Paperwork, title, insurance was all previously taken care of so they were able to drive off the lot as new owners.”
Continental Motors Group
Continental Motors Group was established in 1962 by John and Herman Weinberger, on a firm foundation of strong business ethics and building long-lasting customer relationships. The Weinberger family’s commitment to outstanding customer service has resulted in them being recognized by Automotive News as one of the Top 125 Dealer Groups in the nation. Continental Motors Group leads the way in a customer-focused approach to new and used car sales and service across 9 franchises represented by Acura, Audi, Ferrari, Honda, Maserati, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Toyota. Visit ContinentalMotors.com.
Loaves & Fishes Community Services / Loaves & Fishes Community Services
Located at 1871 High Grove Lane, Naperville, IL 60540, Loaves & Fishes is a registered 501(c)(3) organization that has served our community since 1984. Our vision is to end hunger in our community and provide additional resources to provide stability to individuals and families. Our mission is to provide food and leadership in the community by uniting and mobilizing resources to transform lives and help people to be self-sufficient.
For more information, contact Janet Derrick, Vice President of Programs, jderrick@loaves-fishes.org or visit www.loaves-fishes.org.
Story and photos courtesy of Erin O’Connor for Loaves & Fishes.
