ORLANDO, Fla. – (October 22, 2009) In addition to presenting the Central Florida International Auto Show, the Central Florida Auto Dealers Association, Inc. (CFADA), is a major contributor and dedicated philanthropic leader in the Orlando community. This year, the association will celebrate its 80th anniversary and has donated more than $200,000 to support local charities and helped thousands of community members.
The largest financial commitment in CFADA’s long history is the donation of more than $2 million to the construction of the 55,000 square foot CFADA Professional Automotive Training Center at Seminole State College (SSC) of Florida. This new Professional Automotive Training Center offers state-of-the-art programs, courses in automotive education and training that foster and maintain the skilled workforce needed to meet the demands of the local, state and national automotive industry. The CFADA donates $15,000 annually to a scholarship fund to continually support the automotive program at SSC of Sanford. Additionally, CFADA purchased a new truck and trailer for the SCC automotive department, which is used to transport the school’s SCC Top Alcohol Funny Car to schools and community events.
The CFADA and its dealer members are also actively involved in the Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES) programs at three Central Florida high schools and a vocational training school. AYES partners with participating automotive manufacturers, dealers and select high schools/vocational training schools to allow eligible students to begin their internships at a dealership on a full-time basis the summer after their junior year. Under the guidance of an experienced technician, students develop both technical skills and customer service skills in preparation for a career in the automotive industry. The CFADA contributes $10,000 annually toward this endeavor.
In 2006, the CFADA joined the WFTV 9 Family Connection, a station-wide community initiative whose mission is to empower viewers and assist service agencies throughout Central Florida. The organization embraces projects, events and programs that benefit the greater Central Florida community. For additional information visit the WFTV 9 Web site, www.wftv.com.
Recently, the association hosted the 33rd Annual CFADA “Auto Classic” Golf Tournament, one of Central Florida’s premier golf tournaments. In its 33 years, the event has raised more than $1.5 million for the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida to assist with medical services and programs. Other annual outreach programs include sponsorship of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s (MADD) Law Enforcement Dinner, sponsorship of a room at each Central Florida Ronald McDonald House and the donation of a new vehicle for the Charity Challenge Auction.
The CFADA also hosts the annual Automotive Technology Competition outreach program, which measures students technical and diagnostic abilities and evaluates overall academic preparation. Each year, the CFADA pays for the winners, accompanied by their instructor Tom Sterling, to fly to and stay in New York City to compete in this national competition. This year’s winners, Michael Braddy and Anthony Carpanzano from Oviedo High School, placed 14th among the country’s top automotive technology high school students. Carl Black Pontiac Buick GMC provided the training vehicle, a 2009 Pontiac G6.
Today, there are more than 100 CFADA dealer members (dealerships) holding more than 150 separate franchises (domestic and import) throughout eight Central Florida counties – Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Volusia, Brevard, Marion and Bradford. The CFADA was chartered in 1929 as the “Orlando Automobile Dealers Association.”
The Central Florida International Auto Show is presented by the Central Florida Auto Dealers Association, Inc., sponsored by The Orlando Sentinel and produced by Motor Trend Auto Shows, LLC, the nation’s largest auto show producer and part of Source Interlink Companies, Inc. The auto show will be open to the public Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving Day) through Sunday, November 29, at the Orange County Convention Center, located at 9800 International Drive, in Orlando. Parking is available in the convention center lots. The auto show is pleased to offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the convention center parking lots during all show hours.
Show hours are Thursday, from noon to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission to the event is $9 for adults, $5 for military with ID, seniors, students with ID and $3 for children ages 7-12. Children ages six and younger are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Save time and money by purchasing E-tickets at www.AutoShowOrlando.com and receive a $1 discount off regular weekday adult admission. Attendees will receive a free one-year subscription to Motor Trend magazine with each online ticket order or box office purchase. Complimentary tickets for Thursday and discount coupons for Friday, Saturday and Sunday are also available at participating locations of Winn-Dixie and Sonic Drive-In. Additional information and directions are available on the official show Web site, www.AutoShowOrlando.com.
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