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Alberta Auto Dealers Surpass $5 Million for Special Olympics

Thursday, August 18, 2011, Edmonton, Alberta – Auto dealers are competitive by nature, but market share takes a backseat to sharing the wealth when the members of the Motor Dealers Association of Alberta (MDA) come together to support Special Olympics. The 27th annual MDA Charity Classic raised $275,011 for SOA, pushing the event’s cumulative tally to over $5 million. "I am so proud to be part of an industry that has had such a positive impact on the lives of so many. Providing Special Olympians the opportunity to dream, to achieve, to learn and to thrive is extremely rewarding," said the event’s chairman, Duane Koch, Senior VP and Partner, Koch Automotive Group. SOA offers sports programs in communities across the province for over 3000 Albertans with an intellectual disability.

Koch’s involvement perpetuates the legacy of the event’s founder, Murray Koch, who is Duane’s uncle (and original owner of the Koch Ford dealership in Edmonton). What began as a dream to unite auto dealers across the province in the effort to make a difference to their communities has grown into SOA’s most significant fundraiser, representing 30% of its annual budget. "Special Olympics Alberta is privileged to be the charity of choice for the MDA," SOA president and CEO Kirk De Fazio told participants, "Your work and your support make it possible for athletes with an intellectual disability to have hope. Each of you is truly a difference maker in the world."

The MDA Charity Classic is the culmination of months of planning and hundreds of volunteer hours by association members and staff. The MDA Charity Classic encompassed two events: a gala dinner and auction, held at the Marriott River Cree Resort on August 17th and a golf tournament at the Glendale Golf and Country Club the following day. "We’ve been blessed with success because of the dedication of our members and the generosity of our guests and sponsors," says MDA president Denis Ducharme.

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.