Veteran appreciation was in abundance on Veteran's Day. Yvette Jones, a former Marine, was unable to accept a job promotion all because she reliable transportation. Thanks to funding from the Wawa Foundation and Jim Cornwell's State Farm Agency and their client Pat Jones, Wheels was able to present a 2005 Cadillac DeVille with only 67,000 miles to her.
Yvette was over-taken with emotion due to the immaculate condition of the vehicle.
"This is exactly what we wanted. Seat warmers in the back!" said Lavette Jones, her daughter.
"It's just so unexpected when people who don't know you will pour into your life," said a sobbing Yvette.
Wheels of Success and State Farm agent Jim Cornwell presented the 2005 Cadillac DeVille his client Pat Jones, donated to our Veteran recipient. Yvette, is a former Marine raising 2 children as a single mom and working as a property manager and realtor but struggling with transportation. She was referred to Wheels of Success by her employer Mark Weis of Mark It Realty Group. She has the education, skills, work ethic and an always polished professional appearance. The only thing holding her back professionally was a reliable vehicle. With her Key to Success she will be able to accept a promotion and raise from her boss to take over Property Management of Mark It Realty Group.
Tampa Bay is home to MacDill Air Force Base which serves approximately 10,500 troops and 46,000 retired veterans, many of whom have special needs including service related disabilities, resulting in high unemployment rates and high rates of homelessness.
Our Vehicles for Veterans Program, started with funding from State Farm, provides reliable vehicles for veterans to make it easier for them to keep the jobs they have, get the medical care they need and keep them from sliding into homelessness. State Farm agent Jim Cornwell's referral of one of his clients to donate his 2005 Cadillac DeVille continues State Farm's long time partnership as donor and supporter of the Vehicles for Veterans Program. Wheels of Success is proud to work with State Farm, Jim Cornwell and other local business partners to fulfill its mission to provide transportation solutions such as vehicles, repairs and zero percent automotive financing to keep working veterans working.
Our Vehicles for Veterans Program, started with funding through State Farm in 2009 with continuing annual support, providing reliable transportation gives veterans the support they need to stay working and complete their education.
State Farm® is committed to maintaining the vibrancy of our communities by assisting nonprofits that support community revitalization. To learn more about State Farm's Community Outreach , please visit State Farm Community Outreach
Funding for repair of the vehicle was provided for our Vehicle for Veteran recipient Yvette Through the Wawa Foundation, Heroes Program.
The men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces help us enjoy freedoms every day, and we are honored to do our part to provide our support to organizations that enrich and uplift our troops and their families.
To learn more about The Wawa Foundation, our areas of focus and our commitment to help build happier, stronger communities, please visit www.TheWawaFoundation.org.
Wheels of Success accepts vehicle donations in any condition- running or not- and provides free towing through their partnership with AAA Auto Club Group. The vehicle donor receives the greatest tax advantage for their donation because we try not sell the car at auction but present it to a working family, so the donor can deduct the fair market value of the vehicle. To make a vehicle donation or to donate funds to our "Build-A-Car" program, please call (813) 995-5040, or visit www.wheelsofsuccess.org.
If you or your company is interested in becoming a Corporate Partner, please call (813) 498-0115, or visit www.wheelsofsuccess.org.