KAR Announces 2019 Jefferson Awards Recipient
Honoree’s Initiative Has Impacted Hundreds of Military Children
[inline-video vimeo=”https://player.vimeo.com/video/329590546″]
KAR Auction Services, Inc. (NYSE: KAR), a global vehicle remarketing and technology solutions provider announces its 2019 Jefferson Awards recipient, David Gonzalez. Multiplying Good, formerly The Jefferson Awards Foundation, is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to fueling personal growth and leadership through public service. In its inaugural year as a Multiplying Good Champion partner, KAR recognizes Gonzalez forhis creation of and continued work with the “My First Wheels” bike donation program.
“Giving back to the community is one of KAR’s core values, and our partnership with the Jefferson Awards Foundation helps us honor our employees who do just that – give back,” said Jim Hallett, KAR chairman and CEO. “David saw a need in his community to provide bikes for kids of military families. I’m proud of the work he has done to build the “My First Wheels” program and engage the help of so many KAR employees.”
Gonzalez launched the “My First Wheels” program five years ago at the ADESA office in Mesa, Arizona. In its first year, Gonzalez collected 43 bicycles to refurbish and donate to children at nearby Luke Air Force Base. The program has grown dramatically year after year and Gonzalez has recruited other KAR employees to help grow it. Since its launch, more than 1,100 Luke AFB children have received bikes as a result of Gonzalez and numerous KAR employees who voluntarily refurbish donated bikes and assemble new bikes.
As KAR’s 2019 winner, Gonzalez will attend the 2019 D.C. Jefferson Awards in Washington, D.C. on June 18, 2019. The Jefferson Awards, Multiplying Good’s signature recognition platform, enable corporate partners in the Champions program, like KAR, to celebrate its employees for the work they do in their communities.
“Honorees from all over the country come to the D.C. Jefferson Awards in June. It’s our organization’s biggest stage and the time when those who have given so much in service of others are inspired to do even more,” explained Amanda Johnson, Vice President of the Champions program at Multiplying Good. “We’re thrilled that David will represent KAR this year.”
During KAR’s inaugural year with Multiplying Good’s Champions program, 31 nominations were submitted by KAR employees. KAR’s judging panel narrowed down nominations to six Jefferson Awards honorees recognized for their outstanding community service: Wendy Buchanan (ADESA Seattle), David Gonzalez (ADESA Mesa), Candice Hernandez (IAA Tifton), Gregg Maidment (ADESA Canada), Antwan Myers (KAR IT) and Christiane Ouellette (ADESA Montreal).
