DEALERSHIP NEWS

Findlay dealerships support another successful Light the Night Walk

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's annual Light the Night Walk on Nov. 7 was again a giant success. Attracting more than 5,000 participants carrying lanterns, the 1.5-mile twilight walk through downtown Las Vegas paid tribute to individuals currently battling blood diseases along with those who have succumbed to the illnesses.

The event, entitled "Let's walk to the end of cancer," was supported again by Findlay Automotive Group dealerships Findlay Honda Henderson, Land Rover Las Vegas, Findlay Acura, Findlay Honda Northwest and Findlay Volkswagen.

"We had more walkers and participants than ever before, so we couldn't be happier," said Amanda Harris, senior campaign manager for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Southern Nevada Office. Harris said the overall money raised was more than $540,000 as of Nov. 12, surpassing the 2014 figure of $510,000.

The event started with a heartfelt tribute to those who has lost their battles with blood cancers. During the tribute, friends and family members remembered loved ones who have passed away.

Among those in attendance was local businessman Wayne Christensen along with his wife, Jill, and daughter, Rebecka, who were first-time participants.

"We were there for our grandson, Andrew "AJ" Olsen, who lives in Jackson, N. J., and is currently battling leukemia," Christensen said. "The event was really well-done and we will return."

The Christensens' 8-year-old grandson is now undergoing maintenance, meaning that he is currently having treatment.

"It takes about 3½ years for the cure and he's actually doing pretty good, but the first six months were touch and go," Christensen said.

Ironically, he is also a cancer survivor who has been cancer-free since undergoing surgery five years ago.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. Its mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. More than $1 billion have been committed to outcome-based research across the United States and in 10 other countries.

Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., the organization has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org.

Park Place Infiniti to sponsor UMC's You Drink, You Drive, You Lose event

Park Place Infiniti will again be a platinum-level sponsor of the University Medical Center's annual You Drink, You Drive, You Lose event on Dec. 11, starting at 10 a.m., in front of UMC's Trauma Center, 1800 W. Charleston Blvd.

"Educating our youth on the importance of being a responsible driver is a priority for our dealership," said Joe Tortomasi, general manager of Park Place Infiniti. "We often have young drivers come to our showroom with their parents to buy a car. We want to find them the car of their dreams, but we want them to be safe and responsible on the road.

"Every year, UMC's event vividly shows how devastating a drunk driving accident can be. This year, we will be there with a special banner that students can sign to pledge their commitment to not driving under the influence."

During You Drink, You Drive, You Lose, local high school students will hear from people who have lost a loved one as a result of a drunk driving accident. Attendees of the event, including students and members of the media, will also have the opportunity to sit in the "seat belt convincer," witness a roll-over simulation and go "under the influence" using special goggles to learn and feel the effects of how just a little alcohol can impair a young driver.

Clark County leaders and Nevada dignitaries also will be in attendance to show their support in the prevention of drunk driving.

From Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, the latest available statistic from UMC, 27 people have died in roadway accidents in Clark County. Another 443 have suffered injuries in roadway accidents in Clark County during that time frame. On average, about a quarter of all crash fatalities are due to impaired driving. Nationwide, every 31 minutes, another person dies because of the careless decision to drink and drive.