Selma car dealerships join together for United Way
Published 12:11 am Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Selma new car dealers Todd Stewart and Jon Moore of Moore-Stewart Ford and Moore-Stewart Honda, Frances Turner of Turner Chevrolet and Bill Porter of Reliable Cadillac GMC Truck joined United Way of Selma and Dallas County director Jeff Cothran in unveiling the fundraising campaign called Deal Days Tuesday morning. — Josh Bergeron
Selma residents may have a more incentive to shop locally when buying a new car in October
Four area car dealers have partnered together to help support the United Way of Selma and Dallas County in their annual fundraising campaign. The partnership, called Deal Days, lasts the entire month of October.
For each car sold, Turner Chevrolet, Moore-Stewart Ford Moore-Stewart Honda and Reliable Cadillac, GMC, Truck will donate $30 to the United Way. The deal applies to both new and used vehicles United Way executive director Jeff Cothran said.
“It’s not only a great way to raise money, but it’s also a great way for these car dealers to promote buying cars in Selma,” Cothran said. “People think that the holiday season is a good time to donate to charity, but by then it’s almost too late.”
Individually, the four car dealers may not be able to raise a significant amount of money, but together could raise several thousand dollars said Frances Turner, of Turner Chevrolet.
“If the customers come and buy, then it will be a success,” Turner said.
While an overall fundraising goal has not been set for this year’s campaign, Cothran is hoping efforts like this Deal Days will help the organization exceed last year’s total of $327,000.
A majority of the United Way of Selma and Dallas County’s funds are raised through payroll deductions at local businesses and industries.
Employers contribute by deducting a certain amount from employee’s paychecks each month and donating it directly to the United Way.
International Paper’s Riverdale Mill contributes 40 percent of payroll deductions. Last year the Riverdale Mill contributed more than $100,000 to the United Way’s drive.
Once the United Way receives money, it donates 92 cents of each dollar directly to other charities. The remaining eight cents are used to pay for administrative costs.
“Without the United Way, some organizations wouldn’t exist, Selma would be desolate,” Cothran said at the United Way’s annual fundraising kickoff event in September. “Without a questions, we touch everybody in some way.”
