Findlay Automotive donates $35,000 to Red Cross

Findlay Automotive Group recently donated $35,000 to the American Red Cross, Southern Nevada Chapter, during ceremonies for the grand opening at Subaru of Las Vegas in the southwest valley. The donation was the single-largest ever given by the automotive giant that has been based in Southern Nevada since 1961.

“It’s most definitely a significant donation,” said Scott Emerson, the executive director of the American Red Cross, Southern Nevada Chapter. “Findlay Automotive Group really embodies the Share the Love culture of Subaru.

“Findlay doesn’t just talk the talk. They walk the walk, too,” he said.

Findlay’s long-standing commitment to the community has been evident since the company’s creation. Company founder Pete Findlay insisted that the practice be a part of the company business model.

Emerson said the American Red Cross has been in Southern Nevada for 100 years.

“We celebrated 100 years in Las Vegas,” Emerson said. “We are the longest-running charity in Southern Nevada, and Findlay Automotive Group understands that the American Red Cross is important to having a strong community.”

The Southern Nevada Chapter aids families during crises, such as home fires.

“We go to a home fire to help the residents every 18 hours,” Emerson said. “That’s more than one a day, and many of the people who are affected are first-generation. Many don’t have friends or family, so it’s up to us to help get them back on their feet.

“When a home fire occurs, the displaced residents oftentimes can’t even talk when we arrive. It’s an awful experience to suddenly not have somewhere to go at the end of the day. Findlay understands that a strong American Red Cross is important to having a strong community.”

The long-term importance of the American Red Cross was measured by the tragic Oct. 1 shooting that left 58 killed and hundreds wounded.

“We needn’t look any further than what happened in Las Vegas Oct. 1,” Emerson said. “If people had not supported us in the past, we may not have been there when we were needed so badly. The money donated by Findlay Automotive Group will go to ensure that we will continue our legacy of serving the community so that we will be able to help people 100 years from now.”

“The Red Cross response to the 1 October shooting was tremendous,” said Findlay Automotive Group CFO Tyler Corder, the chairman of the board for the American Red Cross in Southern Nevada. “They immediately supplied 450 units of blood to local hospitals, which were instrumental in saving lives. The day after the shooting, the Red Cross mass casualty unit arrived in Las Vegas and was instrumental in organizing the Family Assistance Center and also began providing mental health and spiritual counseling to those affected by the tragedy.

“In times of crisis, the Red Cross always is there to help. We are very proud to support the efforts of the American Red Cross.”