National Foundation for Teen Safe Driving announces 15 Grant Awards

SOUTH AMBOY, N.J., Feb. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Foundation for Teen Safe Driving has announced grant awards to fifteen charities and prevention programs from its recent "Love Drives Me" campaign.  The two week long campaign that concluded on Valentine's Day was designed to raise awareness and reinforce the need to always make smart driving choices that can keep you safe and preserve a loving relationship for years to come.

Fifteen auto dealerships in various parts of the country were invited to participate and activate the campaign locally by asking community members to create and send custom e-Valentine greetings with loving messages tied to safe driving.  With each greeting, the sender was given the opportunity to cast a vote for a local organization, nominated by the dealership, eligible to receive a grant from the Foundation. 

Car crashes continues to be the leading cause of teen deaths in the United States.  NFTSD believes that reducing these tragedies can be achieved through a combination of national and local actions.  "We invited retail auto dealers to take part in this campaign as we believe the retail auto industry is uniquely positioned to help make an impact that can ultimately save lives," stated Roy Bavaro, the Foundation's executive director. "The "Love Drives Me" campaign united dealers, local prevention organizations and community members in a movement aimed at bringing attention to this critical problem." 

The campaign generated over 4,500 Valentine greetings all with loving messages underscored by a promise of safe driving. 

The top grant of $5,000 was awarded to Owen's Foundation, a charitable organization whose mission is to promote pedestrian, driver, traffic and childhood safety and all aspects of community safety as well as raise awareness of the consequences of distracted driving practices. Owen's Foundation was nominated by Faulkner Hyundai of Harrisburg, PA.

A $1,500 grant was awarded to Fayetteville Manlius High School's Every 15 Minutes program, sponsored by Manlius Fire Department and nominated by Crest Cadillac/Acura, Syracuse, NY.  The Montclair High School SADD chapter, nominated by DCH Montclair Acura was awarded a $500 grant.  All other nominated organizations will receive a grant of $250. 

"Faulkner Hyundai of Harrisburg is overwhelmed by the support and love from our community for Owen's Foundation," stated Chad Berger, General Manager.  "The safety of our youth is paramount. We are proud to have been a part of this campaign and look forward to future opportunities to partner with National Foundation for Teen Safe Driving."

About National Foundation for Teen Safe Driving
Established in 2011, National Foundation for Teen Safe Driving is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit charitable organization dedicated to reducing the number of deaths and injuries resulting from automobile crashes by promoting safe driving and passenger safety to teens, parents and other teen influencers, through leadership, education and awareness.

Contact:
Roy Bavaro
917-628-8786
[email protected]

SOURCE National Foundation for Teen Safe Driving