Findlay Toyota surpasses goal during American Red Cross event

A benefit for the American Red Cross was held Aug. 26 at Findlay Toyota in the Valley Automall.

The brainchild of dealership marketing and social media manager Kaitlyn Matsubara and dealership marketing director Stephanie Bernas, the event covered a five-hour period on the busiest day of the week.

The main goal was to attract 23 people to donate pints of blood during the period of time, and it wasn’t long before the goal was reached.

“Social media was one of the biggest draws, along with the word of mouth,” said Bernas, who has been with Findlay Toyota for 11 years. “Kaitlyn has been a tremendous help, too, and we’re ecstatic about the final results.”

Matsubara said the comments during the event were especially touching.

“One man said our dealership is always at the forefront of helping others,” she said. “That comment really inspired us. When we present events like this one, there are no guarantees, but this event with the Red Cross was a slam dunk.”

Bernas said there are plans to bring back the American Red Cross every few months.

“This is a promotion that can be seen for miles,” said Bernas, adding that the American Red Cross’s red-and-white motor home was parked in front of the dealership. “When the American Red Cross is here, there’s no doubt about its presence and purpose.”

Bernas said the event was yet another example of Findlay Automotive Group stores participating in community-minded special events.

“This involvement in the community all started with company founder Pete Findlay back in 1961,” Bernas explained. “Those of us at Findlay Toyota are proud to keep Pete’s vision alive. It’s vital for us to be involved in the community, and I cannot think of a better way to accomplish that than by working with the American Red Cross.”

The American Red Cross is headed locally by Findlay Automotive Group CFO Tyler Corder.

“As chairman of the board for the Red Cross in Southern Nevada, one of the things we are most focused on is the local blood supply,” Corder said. “The Red Cross is the blood source for the majority of Las Vegas hospitals. The supply of blood is critically low right now. We are hoping to improve that situation by hosting this blood drive.”