Toyota of Orlando donates vehicle to disadvantaged youth program

ORLANDO, Fla. — Toyota of Orlando presented a Toyota Sienna to Intervention Services, Inc. (ISI) at the dealership on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012 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 program is the first Toyota initiative that engages the public to determine how corporate philanthropic donations are awarded.

ISI will use the new Sienna to help disadvantaged youth who are aging out of foster care by providing transportation to job interviews, work, school and healthcare appointments.

"We were excited just to be named a finalist in 100 Cars for Good program, but when we learned we were actual winners, we were overwhelmed with emotion," said Anna Baznik, ISI president and CEO. "I've never seen our staff and the community come together in such a wonderful way. We appreciate everyone for believing in our mission and we are so grateful for the support. Toyota has made such a difference…a big difference."

Since July 1994, ISI has been serving children and families throughout Central Florida, including Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Brevard Counties. The nonprofit’s mission is to change lives by protecting, counseling, teaching and inspiring individuals and families to reach their full potential through community based programs. ISI ensures that all individuals receive the tools and support needed to attain independence and self-sufficiency. The organization also provides a continuum of behavioral and mental health therapy, foster care and adoption services, independent living and educational services for more than 8,100 children and families each year.

"Toyota of Orlando is proud to participate in the 100 Cars for Good giveaway and we're honored to present Intervention Services with a new 2013 Sienna," said Jordan Siviglia, general manager of Toyota of Orlando. "Most of our loyal customers work and live in the Greater Orlando area, so it's important that we do our part to give back to deserving organizations within the very community that we've been a part of for over 20."

Toyota of Orlando, located at 3575 Vineland Road in Orlando, has been an active member in the community contributing to the workforce while providing high quality vehicles at affordable prices. Its sister dealership, Toyota of Clermont, is the title sponsor of the Turkey Trot 5K run/walk benefiting Back to School is Cool, a nonprofit organization that supplies thousands of homeless and underprivileged children with school supplies. With the opening of Toyota of Clermont in Spring/Summer of 2013, the dealership will be adding 175 more jobs to the Greater Orlando area.

"At Toyota, we appreciate what a significant impact a new car can have for nonprofits in their work," noted Michael Rouse, vice president of diversity, philanthropy and community affairs for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. "All 100 of the winners of the 100 Cars for Good program are providing extraordinary and much-needed services, and we thank Toyota of Orlando for their role in delivering ISI's vehicle to them to help them with their important work."

The selection process began May 14, 2012 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 runner-up will receive a $1,000 cash grant from Toyota.

A six-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty will also be provided for each vehicle, compliments of Toyota Financial Services. To learn more about the 100 Cars for Good program, please visit www.100carsforgood.com.

Toyota of Orlando is conducting a holiday drive for Intervention Services-The Village through December 31, 2012. They are collecting items like gift cards for the youth living in facility. They also need make-up/beauty sets for teenage girls, sports equipment for teenage boys, and bed linens (single bed size). All contributions will go to Intervention Services--The Village. The Village is part of Intervention Services, Inc. and provides a safe housing facility for local youth who have aged out of Foster care. Donations may be dropped- off at Toyota of Orlando (3575 Vineland Road, Orlando 32811. Take I-4 to the Conroy Road exit. Head West on Conroy Road. Take a right onto Vineland Road and proceed for about 1 mile. Toyota of Orlando is on the right.)

For more information call Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-4500 or visit http://www.toyotaoforlando.com/events/toyota-of-orlando-holiday-drive.htm for a complete list of donations needed.

WFTV