Auto Dealers United for Kids Surpass $1.6 Million in Donations

Thirteen years ago, a group of Toledo auto dealers saw an opportunity in their community to give back and help kids in need. They joined together to form the Auto Dealers United for Kids (ADUK), a 501c organization and an annual charity event, The Cars are the Stars Charity Preview Gala. Over the years the Preview Gala has grown to become one of the largest benefits in the Greater Toledo area, held in conjunction with the annual Greater Toledo Auto Show, and has now surpassed $1.6 million dollar in donations to local children’s charities.

On April 19th, ADUK and the Toledo Auto Dealers Association (TADA) gathered at the Hollywood Casino in Toledo to present checks totaling $157,000 to seven local children’s organizations in the community. $22,000 each was given to the American Red Cross of Northwest Ohio Youth Services, Advocating Opportunities, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, and the Kobacker Center, and $6,500 was donated to Make-A-Wish.

ADUK has also set up endowed scholarship funds with the University of Toledo and Owens Community Colllege, so subsequent checks for $50,000 to the University if Toledo Foundation and $12,500 to Owens Community College were presented as well. These scholarships are used to help local Toledo dealership employees and their families attend college.

This is such a generous, dedicated group of dealers. Congratulations to ADUK and the TADA on their continued success! They are leaving an incredible impact in Toledo.