Pub. 56 2015-2016 Issue 3

12 DFWNCDA DONATES FUNDS FOR GARLAND, ROWLETT TORNADO RELIEF K nowing the astronomical funds it will take to rebuild the communities in Rowlett and Garland that were affected by the December 2015 tornadoes, the Dallas Fort Worth Metropolitan New Car Dealers Association (DFWNCDA) put out the call to its dealer members to help. On Friday, January 22, the DFW NCDA presented checks totaling almost $68,000 to the Garland Area Habitat for Humanity, the First Rowlett United Methodist Church and two employees from local dealerships who lost their homes due to the Dec. 26 tornadoes. “I was very honored to represent the franchised new car deal- erships in 11 North Texas counties at this check presentation,” said Robert Baillargeon, DFW NCDA chairman. “Our hearts and prayers go out to all those folks affected by these devastating storms. It is our hope that the money donated will help even a few families start to rebuild their lives.” Rev. Dretha Burris, associate pastor at First Rowlett United Methodist Church, shared a number of stories about families that will benefit from the DFWNCDA’s donation. Families lost their entire homes. Amother broke four vertebrae and will be out of work for a long time. A retired schoolteacher was given only $1,000 to have her home demolished and the debris removed. And one gracious family opened their home to two other families whose homes were destroyed. “What a wonderful gift you gave our community,” Rev. Burris said. “Some of your gift will be used to provide low cost counseling for children and families who are struggling with post-trauma stress, depression, anger and fear. Please know your gift is an amazing blessing, and we truly appreciate your kindness.” Christine Hockin-Boyd, executive director for Garland Area Habitat for Humanity, said she was still “riding the clouds” of the DFW NCDA’s donation. “Thank you DFW New Car Dealers Association for the gracious donation to give support to the recent tornado disaster affecting both Garland and Rowlett communities. Garland Area Habitat for Humanity will use these funds to help repair and rebuild homes giving hope to families. I look forward to building this new relationship in which future opportunities may result in doing more in our communities together,” Hockin-Boyd said. Beth Leos, community outreach director for Garland Area Habitat for Humanity, added, “We are so very touched and Jason Michaels, ambassador for the Rowlett chamber of Commerce; Rev. Dretha Burris, associate pastor of First Rowlett United Methodist Church; and Robert Baillargeon, chairman of the Dallas Fort Worth Metropolitan New Car Dealers Association. Robert Baillargeon, chairman of the Dallas Fort Worth Metropolitan New Car Dealers Association; Beth Leos, community outreach direc- tor for Garland Area Habitat for Humanity; Christine Hockin-Boyd, executive director for Garland Area Habitat for Humanity; and David Todd, construction supervisor for Garland Area Habitat for Humanity.