With help from Victory Church and The Ledger’s Newspaper with a Heart committee, five families were selected from roughly 300 applicants.
Among those receiving free automobiles were JoAnn Bustos; Telia Lamb, Winter Haven, 1997 Dodge Intrepid; Nicole George, Auburndale, 1989 Chevrolet Monte Carlo; Darla Kunze, Lakeland, Pontiac Grand Prix; and Cherrie DuFour, Winter Haven, 1998 Honda Civic.
“You can talk about Christmas around the world, but it doesn’t get any more real than this,” the Rev. Wayne Blackburn of Victory Church said to the event’s crowd of onlookers.
“I can tell you that Lakeland, Florida, and Polk County, can really put it on with the spirit of Christmas.”
This was only possible through the contributions of time, efforts and resources of the following “Auto Angels”: AllPro Used Auto Parts, AutoBody Resurrection, Auto Damage Experts, Auto Xpressions, Bartow Ford, Ben’s Paint & Supply, Bernie’s Body Shop, Chili’s – Lakeland – 98 North Location, Dent Wizard, Godfrey Limo Service, Douglas Collision Center, Gunder’s Auto Center, Jenkins Lincoln Mercury, Lakeland AutoMall, Maurice’s Auto Repair, NAPA Auto Parts, PPG Auto Finishes, Preston USA, Inc., Regal Lakeland, Stewart’s Auto Repair , Scott’s Lock & Key and Subs – n – Such. Special thanks to Rev. Blackburn and Victory Church in Lakeland, Fl. for their hospitality and providing a location for the event.
The program plans to begin planning next years giveaway right away and welcomes anyone who wishes to participate. For more information please contact Barrett Smith at barrett@autodamageexperts.com. Photos courtesy myfoxtampabay.com.