Wisconsin Nonprofits Seek Facebook Votes in Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program

RACINE, WIS. (07/27/2012)(readMedia)-- Toyota is roughly three quarters of the way through its 100 Cars for Good program, which gives out 100 Toyota vehicles to 100 nonprofits, but a handful of Wisconsin organizations still have a chance to win. Out of the 500 nonprofit finalists in the nationwide program, nine are based in Wisconsin, and four remain in the running for a new Toyota.

Spanning the 100-day period from May 14 to Aug. 21, the Toyota 100 Cars for Good program uses public voting each day to choose a vehicle winner from five finalists at https://apps.facebook.com/carsforgood/. The sole Wisconsin winner thus far is the Lake Wapogasset Lutheran Camp in Amery, which opted for a Toyota Tundra pickup to aid with snow removal at its camping and retreat locations. The remaining Wisconsin-based finalists and their respective voting days are The Fix Is In, Inc. on July 27, Marinette County Elderly Services on July 31, Cornucopia, Inc. on Aug. 1 and the Madison Audubon Society on Aug. 20.

"We encourage our customers to remember to vote on Facebook for our state's remaining 100 Cars for Good finalists and support the amazing work that they do," said Kevin Galley, Sales Manager of Gentile Toyota, a Toyota dealership in Wisconsin. "Whether it's a rugged truck that helps a nonprofit survive our brutal winters, or a comfortable, spacious ride for transporting the elderly, a new Toyota vehicle can be a huge help."

As a high-quality, low-cost mobile spay and neuter clinic based in Rhinelander, The Fix Is In, Inc. needs a Toyota Sienna to transport equipment and staff from location to location. Meanwhile, Marinette County Elderly Services would like to use the minivan to deliver meals to the elderly throughout the county, as well as provide them with rides to the organization's Meal Sites/Senior Centers.

In Madison, Wis., Cornucopia, Inc. is hoping to take advantage of the new Prius v's fuel-efficiency and increased passenger space to support its arts and wellness activities for those with mental health issues. On the other hand, the Madison Audubon Society could use a Toyota Tundra to haul the brush-cutters, chain saws and other maintenance equipment that its crews use to preserve the Faville Grove Sanctuary.

Each day, voting takes place on the Toyota 100 Cars for Good Facebook page from 9 a.m. to 10:59 p.m. CDT. Web visitors can sort through the nonprofit finalists by state and focus, as well as set reminders for when they need to vote for certain organizations. Supporters can also download voting widgets to be installed on their websites and share the voting page on social networks.

"Toyota has made it very easy for each finalist to get the word out virally, and we hope that other Wisconsiners will help spread the word on Facebook and Twitter," added Galley. "The 100 Cars for Good program is first and foremost a way of supporting charities across the country, but it is also an excellent way for Toyota to highlight hundreds of novel uses for its versatile lineup."

About Gentile Toyota:

Committed to the goal of total customer care, Gentile Toyota treats their patrons to a no-hassle car-buying experience, featuring a large inventory of new and used Toyotas at their state-of-the-art facility. Their Racine, Wisconsin Toyota dealership also offers a fully stocked and expertly staffed service and parts department, so that local Toyota drivers can get in and get back on the road quickly. Visit them at 6801-B Washington Ave. in Racine or call 866-994-9832 to schedule a test drive or service appointment. They can also be found online at www.gentiletoyota.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GentileToyota.