DEALERSHIP NEWS

Findlay Automotive Group sponsors third annual Cox Charities golf tournament

A field of 36 groups and 132 golfers participated in the third annual Cox Charities golf tournament, presented by Findlay Automotive Group on Sept. 28 at TPC Summerlin.

On a perfect day for both weather and golf course conditions, the end result was a pair of $25,000 donations to Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation and Blindconnect. Overall, the latest effort raised almost $200,000 for various local charitable organizations while also surpassing last year's event.

Jean Peyton, the founder of Blindconnect, said the event was wonderful.

"It's going to make such a difference in the programs that we can offer to blind and visually impaired people," Peyton said. "In January, we are opening the first blindness skills training program in a place called Angela's House. We are partnering with the Regional Transportation Commission in their mobility training center. This donation absolutely helps us, that's for sure."

Blindconnect is situated at the West Charleston Campus of the College of Southern Nevada but will relocate to Decatur Boulevard and Sunset Road in January.

Melissa Cipriano, the executive director of Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation, said her group was honored to receive the donation.

"The support from Cox Communications, Cox Charities along with Findlay Automotive Group, allows us to further our mission with our families to provide the services that are so needed for a cancer journey with their child," said Cipriano. "Through this tournament, we can reach out to the golfers to raise awareness for Childhood Cancer."

Since 2007, Cox Charities has donated more than $1 million in grants to Southern Nevada nonprofit organizations that support children, families and/or education. Created as a result of employee interest in the giving strategy of the company, Cox Charities is a partnership with United Way of Southern Nevada and just recently crossed over the $1 million giving mark by issuing grants to local nonprofits.

Further information can be found by visiting www.findlayauto.com.

Park Place Infiniti sponsors The Adoption Exchange annual Monopoly Tournament

Park Place Infiniti will again be the official "Park Place" sponsor of The Adoption Exchange's upcoming Monopoly Tournament fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Palace Station, 2411 W. Sahara Ave.

The Adoption Exchange, a nonprofit organization, serves as the connection between children who wait in foster care and families who adopt. The Monopoly event will help the charity find safe, loving families for the 1,100 Nevada children in foster homes waiting to be adopted.

"As a native of Las Vegas, I feel an obligation to help the children in our community succeed, starting with the most basic necessity — a loving family," Park Place Infiniti General Manager Joe Tortomasi said. "Park Place Infiniti has a long history of supporting children's charities, and we're proud to continue supporting The Adoption Exchange and the good work they do."

Park Place Infiniti's previous contributions helped 77 children waiting in foster homes to unite with their adoptive families.

The Adoption Exchange's Monopoly event, honoring Dr. Tony and Renee Marlon of the Tony and Renee Marlon Charitable Foundation, will include a silent auction, cocktail reception, dinner and a one-hour Monopoly tournament with prizes for first, second and third place. Dave Courvoisier of KLAS-TV Channel 8 will emcee this fundraising event. For ticket information, call 702-436-6335 or visit www.adoptex.org/monopoly.

Annual Paws for the Cause slated for Oct. 17 at Friendly Ford

The annual fall Paws for the Cause pet adoption will be Oct. 17 at Friendly Ford, 660 N. Decatur Blvd.

Slated from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event will include live music from The Strays. In addition, there will be free microchipping for pets provided by Warm Springs and Desert Inn animal hospitals, training from MP-K9 and Doggy Play and Train, prizes from KXPT 97.1 The Point and free Friendly Ford dog leashes and pet gifts.

Founded by Dana Olliges-Arcana and longtime friend Deanne Sheehan of Lotus Broadcasting, the event serves as the foundation for pet lovers wanting to provide new homes for dogs and cats. Olliges-Arcana is the daughter of Friendly Ford owner Ed Olliges, who opened the dealership in 1970.

"Back in the 1990s, Dana was in public relations at the Hard Rock, so we held the event there for several years," Sheehan said, adding that the event found a new home at Friendly Ford in 2011. "Friendly Ford has a lot of great things going on, and the event helps provide homes for a lot of animals."

Sheehan said various other educational aspects are addressed, including spay and neutering, and training for the new pet. In addition, veterinarians will be on site, and photographs will be taken of the owners with their adopted pets.

Presented each year during the spring and fall, Paws for the Cause has resulted in homes for hundreds of animals over the years. The foundation also operates PetSmart Charities Everyday Adoption Center, a satellite adoption facility for dogs and cats inside PetSmart at 286 W. Lake Mead Parkway in Henderson.

"It's very rewarding to see so many dogs and cats find new homes during the Paws for the Cause," said dealership general sales manager Steve Crevling. "For good reason, it's one of our most popular events."

Further information regarding Friendly Ford can be found by visiting www.friendlyfordlv.com or by calling 702-870-7221. Information regarding The Animal Foundation can be found by visiting www.animalfoundation.com or by calling 702-384-3333.