The Drive for Life Foundation Gala will celebrate 40 years of giving in a big way this upcoming Monday, September 12, 2022 by setting its fundraising goal at $2.5 million dollars. Last year the gala raised over $800,000 for the American Cancer Society and other local charities. This year, the organization has announced that it will be matching all donations by 150% thanks to the generosity of two anonymous donors. The Gala will feature Big Ten Coach Mel Tucker as a Special Guest Speaker, NASCAR Driver Josh BIlicki, and a replica of the Zeigler.com 77 x MSU Spartan Camaro. Tickets are on sale now at driveforlifefoundation.org with each ticket admitting two guests, and serving as one entry to win a new 2022 Honda Accord or $30,000.
KALAMAZOO, MICH. (September 6, 2022) The 40th Annual Drive for Life Foundation Gala will take place next Monday, September 12, 2022 at the Radisson Plaza at Kalamazoo Center starting at 6:00p.m. For over four decades the organization has supported local charities as one of the longest running charity galas in the area, with the gala breaking records last year by raising over $800,000-surpassing its initial $750,000 goal. This year, two anonymous donors have agreed to match 150% of all donations in an effort to reach at least $1 million in donations and generate $2.5 million for the American Cancer Society and its other supporting charities and organizations.
Tickets for the event are still available online at driveforlifefoundation.org with every $250 entry admitting two guests, and serving as one raffle ticket for a chance to win a new 2022 Honda Accord or $30,000 cash courtesy of West Michigan Honda Dealers.
Big Ten Coach of the Year and MSU's current head football coach Mel Tucker will be this year's special guest speaker. "To me this is about being part of being something bigger than yourself. We're all in this together, no one does anything on their own," said Tucker. "The Drive for Life Gala raises money for organizations that are all about making our community a better place to live and I'm proud to be part of such a great event."
Tucker recently swept the Big Ten Award by earning both Hayes-Schembechler Coach of the Year and the Dave McClain Coach of the Year, given by coaches and the media, respectively. Last month Coach Tucker and MSU head basketball coach Tom Izzo served as Co-Grand Marshals at the Firekeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway where the Zeigler.com 77 Camaro was wrapped in a special MSU Spartan paint scheme. The gala will feature photo-ops with a replica of this race car with special guest NASCAR driver Josh Bilicki of Spire Motorsports also in attendance.
(Big Ten Coach Mel Tucker with NASCAR Driver Josh Bilicki of Spire Motorsports in front of the Zeigler.com x MSU Spartans 77 Camaro)
The 40th Annual Drive for Life Foundation Gala will be presented by Zeigler Auto Group, Greenleaf Trust, and Huntington National Bank, and Brown & Brown Dealer Services in benefit of the American Cancer Society, Make-a-Wish Foundation, the First Day Shoe Fund, 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, Chef Therapeutic Riding Center, Walk Tall Foundation for Kids, and Family & Children Services.
"It is truly a privilege to be able to carry on this incredible legacy that started over four decades ago. The Drive for Life Foundation Gala represents so many things to so many people; but it couldn't be done without the countless hours of hard work from our dedicated volunteers, the incredible generosity of our sponsors, or the willingness of donors and attendees to come together to make a difference for our community," said Aaron Zeigler, president of Zeigler Auto Group, a Presenting Sponsor for the Drive for Life Foundation Gala.
Guests will enjoy a social cocktail hour, a silent auction, live auction, and much more. For ticket information visit driveforlifefoundation.org or call 269.488.2203. You may also email Beth Kalleward at bk@zeigler.com.
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About the Drive for Life Foundation Gala
For 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 -presented by Zeigler Auto Group, Greenleaf Trust and Huntington Bank- benefits the American Cancer Society and other local charities with over $800,000 in annual support.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Wisconsin, Chicago, and Michigan.
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