Page 15 - On The Move - Volume 17, Issue 3

“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.”
It’s a heavily quoted line from the 1994 film ‘Forrest Gump,’ and as we headed into 2020,
most of us never expected life would dish out a pandemic that had the power to turn the
world upside down. But it did. And although there was (and still is) uncertainty about how
we’d manage to deal with the challenges presented to us by the Coronavirus outbreak,
one thing was certain: the members of the Metro Atlanta Automobile Dealers Association
would step up to help out.

Community service is a core value of the MAADA. Each year, of BMW South Atlanta said, “We’ve always been a strong
the association donates to important causes all around the supporter of our community, so it was an awesome feeling to
Atlanta area. Camp Twin Lakes, the Junior Tour of the Georgia not only assist a local business owner, but also show a little
State Golf Association, and the Salvation Army Boys and Girls appreciation to the hard working men and women at Piedmont
Clubs of Metro Atlanta are just some of the vital efforts that the Newnan Hospital.”
MAADA supports. “It’s important for us to serve this community
because we’re a part of this community,” said Shayne Wilson, The Coronavirus outbreak also created needs in another area:
president of the Metro Atlanta Automobile Dealers Association. hygiene support for the homeless. Social distancing mandates
He continued, “our neighbors are being impacted in ways that have made it nearly impossible to serve the homeless population
are truly challenging.” in Atlanta, forcing many organizations to halt their operations.
Hunger Has No Religion is just one of the organizations that has
Perhaps the hardest hit by these challenges are those who have been affected. Bo Scott, the owner of Regal Nissan, reached out
been on the front lines battling COVID-19. Doctors, nurses, and to HHNR’s founder, Donnie Edwards, to see how his team could
other healthcare professionals, who have been working around help. “Hygiene on Wheels is a project that manifested through
the clock to treat patients and get a handle on the outbreak. It’s the need to extend the arm of the Hunger Has No Religion
also been extremely difficult on homebound seniors. Jim Ellis’ organization to the greater Atlanta homeless community,”
Audi and Volvo Dealerships established a community meal explained Mr. Scott. “If HHNR had a mobile option available,
drive to support these groups, providing prepared meals for they could continue to provide services.” The MAADA teamed-
them with the help of Meals on Wheels, the owners of Fifth up with Regal Nissan and Nissan Commercial Vehicles to help
Group Restaurants, Bold Catering & Design, Lovies BBQ, and secure an NV200, which will be used to deliver hygiene kits
the Old Vinings Inn. “We launched our community meal drive that include soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, and
to continue to do our part and serve our community,” said toilet paper. In addition to the hygiene kits, HHNR will provide
Tracie Maloney, Vice President of Audi Atlanta, Audi Marietta, hats, gloves, coats, and socks, on a seasonal basis, to homeless
and Volvo Cars of Marietta. “We are proud to be able to help patrons in need. Currently, the project is slated to serve the
them keep their businesses going and serve a dire need in our Fulton County areas of Atlanta but will be expanded to other
community at the same time.” areas in the future.

BMW of South Atlanta also stepped-up on the food side of the The ability to accomplish great things is multiplied when people
equation. Their team partnered with a local Subway to provide come together to serve the community as a community. Thanks
lunches for the doctors and nurses in the Intensive Care Unit at to all who have risen to the challenge!
Piedmont Newnan Hospital. Robert Fowler, General Manager
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