In mid December 2011, Ellis & Salazar will surprise a local Austin family with a newly refurbished vehicle. The ribbon-clad vehicle will be delivered to its new owner at a ceremony on December 15th at Promise Land Church, 1504 East 51st Street at 2:00 PM. Ellis & Salazar, an Austin area collision repair shop, has awarded local Austin families with newly refurbished vehicles every December as a part of Child Inc.’s Responsible Parenting Initiative. Other participating business also donating vehicles this year include Leif Johnson Ford, donating three vehicles and Custom Car Crafters, donating one. The new owners will receive six months of paid insurance along with gifts for the children for the holidays.
“–This isn’t just a car – it’s a reliable form of transportation they can use to support their family.”
Families eligible to receive donations through the Responsible Parenting Initiative start by sending letters to participating local businesses. Families are then chosen based on a set of guidelines that illustrate the parent’s pro-active involvement in their child’s development and education. The selected families are then asked to meet for a final interview where they are surprised with the keys to their newly refurbished vehicle.
Ellis & Salazar aims to recognize low-income families who demonstrate initiative to become less dependent on public assistance, pursue some form of training, and participate in the education and development of their children.
10 years and Running
December 15, 2011 will mark Ellis & Salazar’s 10 year anniversary leading this initiative. Since the program’s inception in 2002, Ellis & Salazar has awarded 15 newly refurbished vehicles to families in need.
Joe Lewright, Program Creator in Austin, Coordinator and part owner of Ellis & Salazar stated,
“The best part about donating our time, parts and labor to the Responsible Parenting Initiative is watching the glowing faces of parents when we surprise them with a new vehicle.
“To them, this isn’t just a car – it’s a reliable form of transportation they can use to support their family.”
Each year, Lewright reaches out to local business owners and encourages them to join in the growing number of participants donating goods and services to those in need. For 10 years, Lewright has organized the donation of over 50 vehicles to Austin families. This year, with the help of local small business education and consulting firm, Big Austin, Ellis & Salazar will expand it’s reach to the military, donating a newly refurbished vehicle to a veteran in need.
Participating Local Business
Joining Ellis & Salazar in this effort are five strategic partners donating time, money and parts including Leif Johnson Ford, donating three vehicles, Custom Car Crafters, donating one vehicle, Enterprise Rent A Car, Celebration of Love and Metro Realty. Ellis & Salazar is also seeking donations from the community. Find out more information on donating by contacting lisa –at– ellisandsalazar.com.
About Ellis & Salazar
For over 50 years, Ellis & Salazar Garage and Body Shops (http://www.ellisandsalazar.com/) have been a leading provider of auto body repair services in the Austin area. From dent repair to complete restorations, Ellis & Salazar provide full body and paint services for all makes and models, backed by a Nationwide Limited Lifetime Warranty at any of their three locations in Austin, TX.
Ellis & Salazar recognizes the importance of community involvement, donating time, money, parts and services to numerous charities and organizations each year.
Due to their honest approach, commitment to quality workmanship, and continual community involvement, Ellis & Salazar Garage and Body Shop has established itself as a trusted leader in Austin area auto repair since 1953.
Press Contact
Lisa Lefco-Gray
Ellis & Salazar
512.748.1836
