Test-driving a brand new car may not immediately bring charity to mind, but for the D-Patrick dealerships in Evansville, getting behind the wheel brings help to local nonprofit organizations.
Through the D-Patrick Ford and Lincoln Test Drive for Charity program and D-Patrick Honda Helping Kids, $10 is donated for every test drive to a charity chosen each month. Started in 2014, the programs allow a maximum of $2,500 donations by the Ford/Lincoln dealership, while up to $1,500 can be given by Honda — numbers that always are hit says D-Patrick Ford/Lincoln and Honda President Mike O’Daniel.
“There are some very deserving charities out there,” he says. “On the Ford side, we focus on giving back to healthcare organizations, and with Honda, the focus is on children.”
O’Daniel and Ray Farabaugh (president of the D-Patrick Motoplex and Nissan dealerships) always encourage charities and nonprofits to reach out to D-Patrick. Along with the test-drive giveback programs, the dealerships look at various other ways to help as well — whether it be with a vehicle for the Evansville Police Department for special events, participating in silent auctions, volunteering time to organizations, or collecting donations for Toys for Tots.
“It’s just gratifying to give back. I feel it is rewarding to help,” says O’Daniel. “Nobody is happy who is selfish. I think if you can afford it, you should do it, whether as an individual or as a business.”
