Much more than a walk around a track, Relay is a time to celebrate those who have battled cancer, remember those lost and get inspired to fight back. By participating, you have the power to continue the American Cancer Society's progress toward a future where cancer doesn't take the lives of our friends and family.
American Cancer Society
MileOne Makes an Impact in its Community
MileOne Automotive has 59 automobile dealerships and businesses located throughout Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. focusing on customer service and repeated business, the company sells close to 50,000 vehicles per year and sees another 500,000 people in its stores for service. “Each dealership supports a wide range of community organizations through a variety of ways,” explained David Metter, president of marketing for MileOne. “By combining our efforts under one company, we could do more for a few organizations.
“Throughout MileOne’s 3,500 employees, breast cancer has impacted many of their lives,” he added. “Therefore, choosing the American Cancer Society seemed to be a perfect fit. Not only does this opportunity provide MileOne with a way to truly give back to the communities with which we do business, it is a charity that everyone, including the customer, relates to.” MileOne chose to support the American Cancer Society based on the Society’s commitment to research, advocacy, and patient services. So the company began its involvement by participating in community-based events such as Baltimore’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® and Relay For Life® throughout Maryland.
MileOne is a large corporation. Yet coordinating all 63 dealerships for a special cause is a positive experience. In 2006, MileOne had over 300 walkers and raised nearly $15,000 at the Baltimore Making Strides event, making them the largest corporate team in the event’s five-year history. MileOne also donates a vehicle for a raffle to benefit local Relay For Life® events. This incentive is what allows MileOne to go above and beyond in its efforts to help fight cancer.
“Employees and customers are both loyal toward these events,” says Jerry Fader, president and chief operating officer. “People have told us that they purchase their vehicles from MileOne because we support a cause that is important to them. Our employees feel good about working for this company because of our efforts toward the American Cancer Society.” MileOne is committed to giving credit to its employee’s dedication and often features employees who strive to do more within their community by participating in a variety of events in the MileOne employee newsletter. During the last three years, MileOne’s fundraising achievements have grown from $148,000 to more than $250,000 for the American Cancer Society. Through the Relay For Life car raffle and participation in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, MileOne has raised nearly $2 million dollars to benefit cancer-fighting efforts.
Visit the American Cancer Society's website for more information about community involvement opportunities.