When it comes to community service, the Metro Atlanta Automobile Dealers Association (MAADA) stands tall among other major business leaders with their support of numerous charitable organizations and programs.

"We take great pride in our support of many special charities, including Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta Junior Golf (AJGA), Resources & Residential Alternatives (RRA), The Festival of Trees, The March of Dimes and the Salvation Army," states Shayne Wilson, President of MAADA.

"We have worked with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta for many years now, recently donating funds to assist in the purchase of a new van to transport patients and their families," adds Wilson. All proceeds from the Atlanta Auto Show's annual preview party, "A Night of Cars & Stars," are also now donated to this fine organization.

The Child Care Fund at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta provides the assurance that children, regardless of their ability to pay may receive quality medical care at the center. This organization takes great pride of the fact that no child has ever been turned away from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta for an inability to pay.

MAADA has worked with the Atlanta Junior Golf Association (AJGA) for a number of years. This organization is recognized as a primary promoter to junior golf in Atlanta and the state of Georgia. The purpose of the Association is to provide an environment where a junior golfer, male or female ages 7-18, can enjoy golf and progress at his/her own rate from beginner to proficient level while promoting and preserving the traditions and integrity of the game.

The innovative Aires Program assists minority groups who make a personal commitment to excel in the game of golf. In addition to providing some membership privileges, the AJGA will support these youngster with equipment, competitive opportunities and counseling on potential college placement.

MAADA also gives annual support to Resources & Residential Alternatives to help individuals with developmental disabilities. The RRA was founded in 1979 by a group of parents seeking a place in their own community that could serve as a permanent home for their developmentally disabled adult sons and daughters. The organization carries forth the belief that all individuals, regardless of their degree of disability, have the right to live and work with dignity in the community of their choice.

For many years now, MAADA has been a sponsor of the Festival of Trees. The Association's involvement includes a special theme night each year, plus a Christmas Party for pre-school children from the Atlanta Homeless Children's Shelter. Over 50 children attend each of these parties which includes admission to the event, rides, lunch and a visit by Santa Claus with a large assortment of gifts.

In 2001, MAADA became a sponsor of March of Dimes WalkAmerica. As part of this sponsorship, the Association's more than 160 dealer members offer their locations as official registration sites for this fundraising event. During its long history, WalkAmerica has raised more than $1 billion to help the March of Dimes continue its track record of advance in research and programs that save babies' lives.

MAADA is proud to be a sponsor of The Salvation Army in Atlanta. This fine organization provides aid to hundreds of thousands of individuals here each year. These services include disaster relief, crisis counseling, homelessness prevention and the operation of hospitals and schools. They also serve thousands of meals to the needy, and offer basic social services to many more.

The Metro Atlanta Automobile Dealers Association is made up of over 160 franchised new car and truck dealers from the 18 county Metro Atlanta area. The association and its members strive to uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity and continuously work together to improve the car buying experience for Metro Atlanta consumers.