Customers and employees of Smail Auto Group partnered together in May 2012 to raise over $60,000 for the Troops First Foundation. This was their largest fundraising effort, surpassing their previous one month record of over $50,000 for Breast Cancer Awareness in October 2011.
Greensburg, PA — Smail Auto Group is honored to announce that they have raised $60,143 to support Troops First Foundation, as part of their “Smail Auto Group Cares” campaign, in honor of Memorial Day. The campaign included a monetary donation for every new and pre-owned vehicle sold throughout May, as well as a consistent social media presence to raise both funds and awareness of the organization.
American flags were displayed prominently at the group’s six dealerships, while employees raised awareness by wearing shirt patches stating they proudly support Troops First Foundation. Smail Auto Group’s goal was to not only show their appreciation to the men and women that serve our country, but to support an organization that really has an impact on the daily lives of military members and their families.
“By partnering with Troops First Foundation, we know that every dime that was donated is going directly to life-enhancing programs that support and bring closure to soldiers that have risked their lives for our freedom,” Jim Smail explains.
Troops First Foundation was co-founded by Rick Kell and Smail Auto Group spokesperson, David Feherty. The foundation is a zero profit organization, with 100% of funds going directly to programs and initiatives for soldiers and their families.
Feherty recognizes that every person who bought a vehicle from a Smail dealership or supported them on Facebook throughout May, contributed to this generous donation. “Thank you for supporting Smail Auto Group and my Troops First Foundation,” he states. “Every dollar generated helps make the often difficult lives of those who were selfless enough to answer the call a little easier. They have given us a quality of life that some Americans take for granted, so thank you for helping to pay back a small part of the debt we will always owe them.”
Just one of the initiatives, and perhaps the most life-changing, implemented by Troops First Foundation is Operation Proper Exit. Wounded warriors in recovery are given the opportunity to return to Iraq, specifically to the sites where they were injured to gain closure. They are also able to witness the progress that has been made in Iraq, realizing that it was their bravery and sacrifice that made those changes.
While the Smail family and employees of Smail Auto Group feel very strongly about recognizing and supporting our military personnel and their families every month of the year, they are extremely pleased that their May campaign raised the funds to make such a significant donation to Troops First Foundation.
Smail Auto Group has been family owned and operated for over 75 years. They proudly represents nine new car franchises – Acura, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, Cadillac and GMC – five service and parts centers, Smail Collision Center, Smail Auto Glass and the brand new Smail Auto Detail Center and Car Wash.
All Smail dealerships are conveniently located on Route 30 in Greensburg, PA. Visit online at smailauto.com.
