Generally, auto dealers are a fairly competitive bunch 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. This past weekend, the 28th annual MDA Charity Classic raised a total of $250,012 for Special Olympics Alberta, pushing the event’s cumulative tally to over $5.5 million. “I am so proud to be part of an industry that has had such a positive impact on the lives of so many,” remarked Garrett Scott of Scott Subaru, who chaired the event. “Providing Special Olympians the opportunity to dream, to achieve, to learn and to thrive is extremely rewarding.” SOA offers sports programs in communities across the province for over 3,000 Albertans with an intellectual disability.
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 per cent 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 support make it possible for athletes with an intellectual disability to have hope. Each of you is truly a difference maker in the world.” Scott and his co-chair, Darren Easy of Festival Ford, were proud to mark the event’s return to its roots in Red Deer, where it was held for the first 19 years.
The MDA Charity Classic is the culmination of months of planning and hundreds of volunteer hours by association members and staff. This year’s MDA Charity Classic encompassed two events: a gala dinner and auction, held at the Sheraton Hotel Red Deer on September 16th and a golf tournament at the Red Deer 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,” said MDA president Denis Ducharme.
