MINI Cooper Raffle to Benefit Landis Arboretum

ESPERANCE, NY (07/09/2007)(readMedia)-- In a bid to raise operating funds – and attract a new generation of visitors to its spectacular 548-acre site in Montgomery and Schoharie counties -- the Landis Arboretum will raffle a MINI Cooper, with promotional assistance from Keeler MINI (Latham, NY). Only 350 tickets will be sold at $100 each. Interested raffle participants are invited to view the MINI Cooper at the Keeler Motor Car Company showroom at 1111 Troy-Schenectady Road (Route 7), Latham, NY (www.keeler.com)

Participants in the Arboretum Raffle MINI Cooper Raffle fundraiser are eligible for two additional prizes: 2nd prize: $250 and 3rd prize: $150. Winning tickets will be drawn at the Landis Arboretum Winter Auction Fundraising Event in December. Participants need not be present to win.

According to Landis Board President Barbara Brabetz, the Arboretum approached Keeler Motors at the request of Trustee Scott Trees, a long-time Keeler customer and stalwart MINI Cooper owner and advocate. “Scott sold us on the idea that the size and gas mileage of the car reflected some of our concerns as an environmentally focused organization. We also believe that Keeler’s stature in the region as a premiere dealership with an established reputation for integrity and customer services represent qualities that align with our organizational values.”

From his perspective, Scott Trees is pleased to partner with Keeler Motor Car Company in their first vehicle raffle. “All of us at the Arboretum have high expectations for very positive outcomes in this innovative venture to generate operating funds and to raise general awareness of the Arboretum’s educational and family-focused programs.”

MINI and More The 2007 MINI Cooper is at the center of this year’s Arboretum Raffle fundraiser. Instantly recognizable by its unique styling, the car is considered to be a compact powerhouse whose near-instant and widespread popularity has made it a break-through highway icon. With its bravura bulldog stance, the handsomely equipped MINI features six airbags and side protection, an Ultra-Rigid body, 1.6 L 16-valve Alloy Engine, and 118 horsepower @6000 rpm. The popular MINI includes an array of active and passive safety features, a boot-load of personal options, and impressive gas mileage of 32 MPG city/40 MPG Highway – making it one of the highest smiles for miles rating of any car in its class. MINI fans take pride in owning a car reputed for its huge impact on driving fun -- not the environment.

Take the Wheel to a Cleaner Environment Tickets for the Arboretum MINI Cooper raffle may be purchased in person at the Landis Arboretum at 174 Lape Road in Esperance. Tickets also are available by mail with a self-addressed, stamped envelope containing check or money order payable to Landis Arboretum PO Box 186, Esperance, NY 12066. Indicate Keeler MINI Cooper on the memo line. For credit card payments, phone the Arboretum at 518-875-6935/landis@midtel.net.

Kudos for Keeler The Keeler Motor Car Company on Route 7 in Latham showcases six manufacturers: Honda, BMW, MINI, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Mercedes-Benz are all available for sale and lease along with a large assortment of quality pre-owned vehicles from a variety of auto makers. Each Keeler showroom offers complete Service and Parts departments and a full service Collision Center with highly qualified technicians and informed, courteous personnel. Attention to detail is a Keeler hallmark.

Keeler Motor Car Company has a longstanding and strong commitment to Capital Region communities through numerous sponsorships and donations to local and national organizations and charities, such as the Susan G. Koman BMW Ultimate Drive® for the Cure, Proctor’s Theater, Special Olympics, Saratoga Automobile Museum, and the Red Cross.

The Landis Arboretum is located 1.5 miles off Scenic-designated Route 20 in Esperance, an easy and beautiful ride from everywhere. Visitors to the Landis Arboretum will find themselves within minutes of the adventures of Howe Caverns, the Old Stone Fort Museums Complex, and historic Sharon Springs.