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Alberta auto dealers raise $320,010 for their “special” cause

Thursday, August 19, 2010, Edmonton, Alberta – “I am absolutely blown away by the generosity of our industry,” exclaimed an overjoyed Doug Airey, general manager of Western Pontiac Buick GMC and chair of the 26^th annual Motor Dealers’ Association of Alberta (MDA) Charity Classic after announcing this year’s fundraising tally that benefits Alberta’s special athletes. “Because of the dedication of our members and the bigheartedness of our guests and sponsors, in the past two days, we’ve raised $320,010 for Special Olympics Alberta (SOA).

The MDA Charity Classic is the culmination of months of planning and hundreds of volunteer hours by association members and staff. Since its inception, the MDA Charity Classic has raised over $4.8 million for SOA. The MDA Charity Classic encompassed two events: a gala dinner and auction, held at the Marriott River Cree Resort on August 18^th and a golf tournament at the Glendale Golf and Country Club the following day.

When Courtney MacAngus, SOA special athlete of the year, addressed the gala audience comprised of over 400 auto dealers and their industry partners, she spoke of the impact that participating in sport has made on her life and expressed her gratitude to the MDA for the support they give to Special Olympics. Doug Airey followed up with, “You can ask yourself why invest the countless hours volunteering or why dig a little deeper in your pocket. But after hearing Courtney you say, I’m inspired and I can make a difference!” And make a difference they did, eclipsing last year’s event tally by over $60,000.

“The dedication of the organizing committee, and support from all of the event sponsors, auction donors, and guests ensures that more than 3,000 athletes get a chance to live a dream,” SOA president Carmen Wyton told the participants. “Thank you for helping celebrate dignity, acceptance and strength!.”

Quick Facts:

Funds raised since inception:                 over $4.8 million

Funds raised at two-day event:              $320,010

# of Golfers:                                         216

# of Guests at Gala Dinner:                   over 400

# of Special Athletes in Alberta             Over 3300 in communities across the province

The MDA strives to serve the collective interest of its members and promote positive relationships with government, industry, suppliers, consumers and media, by offering needed and effective programs and services. Members include over 90% of Alberta’s franchised new vehicle and heavy truck dealerships.

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For information/comment:

Doug Airey, 2010 MDA Charity Classic Chairman @ 780.203.9838

Carmen Wyton, Special Olympics Alberta President & CEO @ 780.937.2071