Kendall Toyota presented a Toyota Tundra to the Pelican Harbor Seabird Station (PHSS) at the dealership on Thursday, Nov. 1, as part of the Toyota “100 Cars for Good” program, a major philanthropic initiative in which the automaker is giving away 100 cars to 100 nonprofits over the course of 100 days. The 100 Cars for Good program is the first Toyota initiative that engages the public to determine how corporate philanthropic donations are awarded.
PHSS will use its new Tundra to survey local marinas for injured pelicans and wildlife, rescue and care for wounded animals and as transportation for PHSS staff to give educational presentations at neighboring schools throughout Miami-Dade County.
“We are overwhelmed by Toyota’s generosity,” said Brian Fox, PHSS executive director. “Receiving a truck as a donation will significantly enhance our ability to save and treat injured wildlife in the Biscayne Bay area. This will certainly enable us to increase our overall efforts in Miami.”
Founded in 1980, PHSS is recognized both nationally and internationally for its dedication to seabird rehabilitation. While it specializes in brown pelicans, the center rescues, treats and cares for all sick, injured or orphaned wildlife with a mission to foster and promote the preservation, protection and propagation of pelicans and other wildlife. Each year, PHSS heals thousands of animals affected by mankind and returns them to their ecosystem. The organization also provides other community services to include education programs, conservation research, outreach initiatives and resolving human-wildlife conflicts.
“We are proud to be a part of Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program and present Seabird Station with their new Tundra,” said Frank Marsala,
Kendall Toyota general manager. “We live in a vibrant city and Seabird Station is a remarkable place making a huge impact in Miami and the wildlife that inhabits the area.” Kendall Toyota is located at 10943 S. Dixie Hwy. The dealership has been involved in various charities to include its most recent and favorite initiative of awarding Miami-Dade County Teacher of the Year with a new Toyota.
“At Toyota, we appreciate what a significant impact a new car can have for nonprofits in their work,” said Michael Rouse, vice president of diversity, philanthropy and community affairs for Toyota Motor Sales, USA. “All 100 of the winners of the 100 Cars for Good program are providing extraordinary and much-needed services, and we thank Kendall Toyota for their role in delivering Pelican Harbor Seabird Station’s car to help them with their important work.”
The selection process began May 14 by profiling five finalists at <www.100carsforgood. com>. Individual members of the public were able to vote for the nonprofit they believe can do the most good with a new vehicle. The charity with the most votes at the end of each day became the winner of one of six Toyota models. Additionally, each runnerup will receive a $1,000 cash grant from Toyota.
A six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty also will be provided for each vehicle, compliments of Toyota Financial Services. To learn more about the 100 Cars for Good program, visit www.100carsforgood.com
