Driving Towards a Better Future in 2023 at the 41st Annual Drive for Life Foundation Gala

The Drive for Life Foundation announces the return of its most awaited event of the year, its 2023 Drive for Life Foundation Gala taking place Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 5:30p.m. at the Radisson Plaza in Kalamazoo. Now in its 41st year, the Gala has become a must-attend event for community members from all around the Greater Kalamazoo area and beyond with last year bringing in a record-breaking $2 million dollars for the American Cancer Society and local charities.

KALAMAZOO, MICH. (June 19, 2023) - The 2023 Drive for Life Foundation Gala returns to Kalamazoo for its 41st anniversary after bringing in a record-breaking $2million dollars for charity last year. Hosted by Zeigler Auto Group and the Drive for Life Foundation, the Drive for Life Foundation Gala raises money for the American Cancer Society as well as many local and regional charities and organizations.

Once a year community members, business leaders, and volunteers from Greater Kalamazoo and around the country come together for an unforgettable night featuring raffles for one-of-a-kind experiences, celebrity appearances, red carpet glitz and glamor, and so much more. 

However, the most important reason for coming together is charity, with over $5.5 million given to worthy causes over four decades, the Drive for Life Foundation has earned a reputation for being an organization that gives back in a big way.

Over the years organizations have included the American Cancer Society, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan, MRC Industries of Kalamazoo, Gull Lake Community Schools, Family Camps, the American Heart Association, Sherman Lake YMCA, K C Ready 4S, Southwest Michigan Miracle League, Wings of Mercy, Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, Walk Tall Foundation for Kids, Family & Children Services, and many more.

If you are interested in purchasing tickets for our upcoming 41st Annual Drive for Life Foundation Gala, or if you would like more information on sponsorship, please visit us at driveforlifefoundation.org. 

ABOUT THE DRIVE FOR LIFE FOUNDATION GALA

For nearly four decades, the Drive for Life Gala has attracted the support of business leaders, sponsors and volunteers; bringing the Kalamazoo community together for an extraordinary night of charity. 

The Drive for Life Gala debuted in 1982 with a starting ticket price of just $1, raising less than $20,000 for the American Cancer Society. Today, the annual Drive for Life Gala is presented by Zeigler Auto Group, Brown & Brown Dealer Services, Greenleaf Trust and Huntington Bank; and benefits the American Cancer Society and other local charities with over hundreds of thousands in annual support.

ABOUT ZEIGLER AUTOMOTIVE GROUP

Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S. with 78 franchises across 35 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all of the domestic and the majority of the imported manufacturers.

Besides its extensive automotive portfolio, the organization owns and operates Zeigler Motorsports, an 85,000-square-foot motorsports dealership and action park, offering 19 different powersports brands, plus its own onsite restaurant: Trak Houz Bar & Grill. Additionally, Zeigler Motorsports houses the Elevate Leadership & Team Building Academy, an executive training company.

The Kalamazoo-based dealer group also owns and operates Zeigler Pre-Owned of Chicago, a Carquest Auto Parts store, three Byrider franchises, three finance companies, several insurance firms, and a leasing firm.

Founded in 1975, the organization employs over 2,300 people, ranking among the top 1% of automotive dealers in the nation with estimated annual sales of $2.2 billion for 2022. The family-owned and operated company is well known for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction. Zeigler is regularly recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation, also earning similar accolades in Chicago and Michigan.