June 2, 2019
Thanks to the generosity of BC’s New Car Dealers and supporters throughout the province, the 2019 New Car Dealers Foundation / Special Olympics BC Auction raised significant funds to benefit the empowering work of the two beneficiary charities.
With more than 280 items and a record number of bidders, the 2019 auction raised more than $178,000 for Special Olympics BC and the New Car Dealers Foundation of BC.
Over its three decades of inspiration, this important event has raised nearly $5.1 million to support Special Olympics BC’s life-changing year-round sport programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and the empowering work of the New Car Dealers Foundation.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to the many Dealers and supporters who contributed to the success of this year’s auction by making a cash pledge, donating auction items, soliciting donations, and/or bidding on items. Sincere thanks to the BC Honda Dealers Association, Chevrolet Buick GMC Dealers of BC, and Pacific Toyota Dealers for leading the way in giving back by each donating a sought-after vehicle to the auction.
We are so grateful for the dedicated members of the auction organizing committee. Every year they give countless hours of thoughtful and compassionate work in order to make this event a success, always looking for the best ways to help Special Olympics athletes and the important programs of the New Car Dealers Foundation. Thanks to:
- Manse Binkley, Harmony Honda and Harmony Acura
- Doug Bower, Vancouver Sun and The Province
- Marnie Carter, Carter Auto Family
- John Chesman
- Heather Headley, Pacific Honda
- Pamela Keith, Dueck Auto Group
- Joe Mitchell, Carter Auto Family
- Blair Qualey, New Car Dealers Association
- John Wynia, Harbourview Volkswagen
Having seen SOBC athletes speak at events and impress significant crowds, Chesman says he has been impressed by their courage, and he notes the confidence and pride they gain with Special Olympics.
“It’s huge. You give [the athletes] an opportunity, No. 1, and through sports, you can get an awful lot of confidence and camaraderie and start to feel good about themselves,” he says. “I think Special Olympics is an unbelievably good organization.”
Special thanks to the following dealers for making a cash pledge and or donating an auction item:
- Applewood Auto Group
- Auto West BMW
- Bannister Cadillac Buick GMC Kelowna
- Bannister Chevrolet Buick GMC Vernon
- Bannister Ford Dawson Creek
- Bannister Honda
- Brian Jessel BMW
- Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC
- Browns Chevrolet Buick GMC
- Cam Clark Ford Lincoln
- Capilano Volkswagen
- Carter Auto Family
- Champion Chevrolet
- Cowell Auto Group
- Dueck Downtown
- Dueck on Marine
- Dueck Richmond
- Freeway Mazda
- GAIN Group, Vancouver Island
- Hallmark Ford Sales Ltd.
- Harmony Acura
- Harmony Honda
- Huber Bannister Chevrolet
- Jenner Chevrolet Corvette Buick GMC
- Jim Pattison Auto Group
- Jim Pattison Chrysler Jeep Dodge
- Jim Pattison Hyundai
- Jim Pattison Lexus
- Jim Pattison Subaru
- Jim Pattison Toyota
- Jim Pattison Volkswagen
- Jim Pattison Volvo
- Laird Wheaton Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac
- MacCarthy GM
- Metrotown Mazda
- Mini Richmond
- North Vancouver Nissan
- Pacific Honda
- Park Shore BMW
- Preston Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Ltd.
- Salmon Arm GM
- Smith Chevrolet Cadillac Ltd.
- West Coast Auto Group
- Wheaton Chevrolet Buick Cadillac GMC
Special Olympics BC and the New Car Dealers Foundation extend sincere thanks to everyone who supported the 2019 auction and look forward to further growth in 2020.