Two Geneva car dealerships will donate money for test drives and vehicle sales throughout October, aiming to raise up to $10,000 for a nonprofit that supports local adults undergoing cancer treatment.
Friendly Ford Geneva and Friendly CDJR Geneva will give $15 for each completed test drive and an additional $25 for each vehicle sold, according to an Oct. 5 announcement from Thrive to Survive and its campaign flyer. The campaign, called “Changing Leaves, Changing Lives,” runs through Oct. 31.
Residents do not have to buy a vehicle to take part. Completing a test drive at either dealership will generate a $15 donation, the organization said. Customers will also be invited to write on a paper fall leaf and add it to a showroom tree display tracking participation during the campaign.
Thrive to Survive provides emotional, physical and financial support to adults diagnosed with cancer who live in Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, Schuyler and Yates counties. The organization said the money raised will help it continue serving people in treatment across those five counties. The $10,000 figure is a fundraising goal, not an amount already raised or a guaranteed contribution.
“Every test drive, every vehicle sold and every leaf added to the trees represents another person helping us make a difference for someone going through cancer treatment,” Pam Venuti of Thrive to Survive said in the announcement. She thanked Friendly Auto Group for supporting the organization again.
Free Oct. 30 event closes out the campaign
The dealerships will also hold a free Trunk or Treat from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the Friendly Ford and Friendly CDJR dealerships on Routes 5 and 20 in Geneva. Local businesses, community members and dealership employees are expected to decorate vehicles and distribute candy to children.
The announcement also lists a bounce house, costume contest, Best Trunk contest, apple cider, doughnuts and music. Thrive to Survive plans to host a superhero-themed trunk featuring Worry X, a character it uses to help children and adults talk about stress and support.
Families can attend without paying admission. The organization said it will announce the final fundraising total after the October campaign ends.
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