WANADA and its member organizations have long been known for their generous donations and sponsorship to the following programs:

• Congressional Gala.  Held annually in conjunction with the Washington Auto Show, The Congressional Gala is WANADA’s premier charitable event. This year's event raised thousands of dollars for seven  worthy organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area; Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington; The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; Neediest Kids; Orphan Foundation of America; Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area; and Primary Care Coalition. To date, the Washington Auto Show Congressional Gala has raised over $1 million for charity.

• Bobby Mitchell Hall of Fame Golf Classic.  WANADA is the lead sponsor of this annual fundraiser, which has raised more than $1.7 million for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. The summer classic features more than 40 football, basketball and baseball Hall of Fame athletes who donate their time to find new treatments and cures for these deadly illnesses.

Tammy Darvish, Chairman, Hall of Fame Golf  Classic

speaking to press

• Automotive Consumer Action Program (AUTOCAP.)  Sponsored nationally by the National Automobile Dealers Association and operated locally by WANADA, the Automotive Consumer Action Program has a professional staff which handles consumer calls, answers questions, reviews consumer letters, and discusses problems with dealers. When necessary, cases are referred to mediation panels made up of representatives from consumer affairs agencies and area dealerships.

• Sober Driving Advocacy.  Washington area new car dealers cofounded and have sponsored and promoted the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) and its well-publicized and life-saving SoberRide holiday campaigns since 1982.

• Child Safety.  In cooperation local and national safety efforts, WANADA launched Child Safety Stops, the nation's first community-wide, dealer-based child safety seat fitting program to educate parents and protect children throughout the region.

• Combating Car Theft.  WANADA works with area police departments to educate and alert dealers to auto theft and fraud  For more information, please contact Thomas S. Mann at (202) 237-7200.

• Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.  Sponsored by WANADA and other Washington area dealers and businesses, this 58-year-old annual event offers motorless racing competition for youngsters, aged nine to 16. It is held in July on Constitution Avenue.

• 9/11 Victim Relief.  Washington area dealers contributed more than $100,000 to aid the families of those killed and injured in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the Pentagon. This was part of a national effort by new vehicle dealers that raised over $1.7 million for 9/11 victim relief.