Friday, April 24, 2009 • 12:00-1:15pm
A La Carte Pavilion • Tampa, FL

Congratulations to the
Hub Cap Award winners:

Crew of the Year AAA Auto Club South Driver of the Year Nikki Daniels, The Family Justice Center

Community Champion Eckerd Family Foundation #1 Fan Jim Labadie, Pro/Grade

Sponsor of the Year
Hertz

Thanks to all of our
Sponsors, Table Captains &
A La Carte Event Pavilion

Attended by more than 300 Wheels of Success fans, the 3rd Annual R.A.C.E. Luncheon & Hub Cap Awards, held on Friday, April 24th at A La Carte Event Pavilion, was a roaring success! Charter supporter Jack Harris, WFLA 970-AM, once again served as Master of Ceremonies. Under the diligent direction of Chairperson Anne Peterson (Ameriprise), who serves as Second Vice President on WOS' Board of Directors, the award ceremony honored: John Tomlin, AAA Auto Club South; Nikki Daniels, The Family Justice Center; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Clark, the Eckerd Family Foundation; Jim Labadie, Pro/Grade; and Hertz.

Attendees bid on more than 90 silent auction items generously donated by both new and repeat supporters. Past recipients/participants in the program personified the "Pay it Forward" philosophy by volunteering at the event. One recipient, our featured speaker, was an example of an expedited vehicle delivery resulting from the collaboration of both a social service agency and a faith-based organization partnering with us for success. (See Alice's story.)

Our newest pilot program, Wheels to the Future, assisting with reliable transportation for youths aging out of the foster care system, was announced. Also announced was ABC, (Automotive Buying Center), the social entrepreneurship arm of Wheels of Success which is now open for business. The reasonable profit of this new venture will revert to the non-profit.

Founder and C.E.O. Susan Jacobs and Mr. Harris closed the program with the presentation of the 2009 Hub Cap Awards to those named above. Also recognized were the many loyal supporters and volunteers for the event as well as all of the sponsors, particularly Caspers Company McDonald's and A La Carte Event Pavilion. See complete list of sponsors.

The last lap of the emotional event took place outdoors where the 237th vehicle was awarded to Cynthia, a grateful recipient who also spoke at the luncheon. See her picture with new-to-her vehicle.

Wheels of Success was born in 2003 with the mission of partnering with the community to provide reliable transportation to individuals who are working or have viable offers of employment. In addition to delivering 237 vehicles, Wheels has also assisted 254 families with ancillary car services, bringing the total number of families served to nearly 500. Because of the generosity of our sponsors, 100% of the donations raised at this event will go directly toward delivering 20 vehicles ... keeping 20 working families on the road.