VFC’s partnership with Precision Auto Care was recognized by the Washington Business Journal and area business leaders at the 2011 Corporate Philanthropy Awards.  Vehicles For Change and Precision, which owns and operates 26 Precision Tune Auto Care centers, received the MassMutual Citizenship Award for the most productive private-public partnership.

By providing repair services at a substantial discount, Precision has saved VFC more than $20,000 over the past three years. The company educates customers about VFC, leading to more than 10 car donations a year. Precision was also a major underwriter of VFC’s Art Van program last summer.

The partnership generates community goodwill and exposure for Precision Tune. President and CEO Robert Falconi says it has helped attract $50,000 to $100,000 worth of business to the centers.

“Amazing things can happen when businesses and nonprofits team up. The awards are significant. It is one of those scenarios where one plus one equals four,” said VFC’s Marty Schwartz.

See a video about the partnership

“We would like to say thank you to the wonderful individuals who donated their vehicle to us, who are complete strangers. This has been the best gift we have received. Life has been much easier in several ways. We are now able to go to the laundry mat, grocery store, appointments, etc. Every day was a struggle for us with two babies having to go everywhere in the stroller in all sorts of weather. This has been life changing and we are so thankful that there are actually people who care and want to make a change in someone’s life. We treat our new vehicle as if it’s our third child.”

“And let me say that my grandmother has been diagnosed with liver cancer and she lives 2 hours away. I was very emotional because I didn’t think I would be able to see her or attend her upcoming surgery. Now I’ll be able to be by her side as she fights to get better. And that’s the best gift I could ever ask for. We don’t know who donated their vehicle to us, but we love you and thank you for giving us this wonderful gift.”

Love, Joshua and Roxanne

A VFC Profile of Our Garage Partner

British American Auto Care is not your typical repair shop. Read more

Recipients are referred to us through a sponsoring agency. Most of our recipients are single mothers, but some of the programs we work eith are designed to work with men or displaced fathers. To qualify for a car through Vehicles For Change, individuals must: Read more

You’ve heard us speak before about the impact a car donation can have on one family: individuals who previously had a 2 to 3 hour commute – each way – on public transportation are able to significantly reduce their commute with a car. For parents, this means they are able to spend more time with their children; take their children to school, daycare, and doctor’s appointments; and run every day errands, such as grocery shopping, with ease.

You’ve probably also heard us say that 75% of our recipients are able to secure a better-paying job or earn a raise after purchasing a VFC vehicle, and that these recipients are able to increase their income by an average of $7,000 a year.

But are you aware of the impact that car donations can have on our state’s resources, as well as on the economy? Read more