FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Gary Fontenot

281.374.8863

Sam Weaver

301.657.4000

BETHESDA, MD (March 30,  2004) – Tuesday, March 30, 2004 was a day of giving and receiving for Chevy Chase Cars in Bethesda.  Ashby Chamberlain of Kenwood Country Club was the winning bidder of the SSR Auction, benefiting the Children’s Inn @ NIH was presented a red hot Chevrolet SSR by John Bowis and Sam Weaver, Jr. of Chevy Chase Cars.  The SSR Auction was a sealed bid auction conducted on the Internet and promoted in the Washington market with a multi-media Public Service Campaign.  The winning bidder was determined by the highest bid received above MSRP on the 2003 SSR.

The Children’s INN at NIH is a private, non-profit family-centered residence for outpatients at the National Institute of Health and their families.  Over 1100 children each year receive treatment for illnesses, such as heart, blood, bone growth disorders, mental illnesses, forms of cancer, and HIV infection.  The Children’s INN mission is to keep children together with their families, to reduce stress, and to facilitate healing.  After a long day of treatment, the Children’s INN is a place where kids can relax, play, enjoy a meal and be with their families in a comfortable environment.  The INN also helps to ease the tremendous financial burden associated with caring for a seriously ill child, as there is no cost for families while staying at the Children’s INN.  Terrel Flynn said, “The Inn depends entirely on the support of individuals and organizations just like you….We thank you for your generous support.”

The presentation was conducted during a Cocktail Gala at the Chevy Chase Cars location in Bethesda.  Participants in the SSR auction received tickets to the Cocktail Gala, a replica of the SSR, the tax benefits of charitable giving and the good fortune of being able to help a worthy cause. Co-Host, John Bowis, president of Chevy Chase Cars, along with Sam Weaver Jr. Vice President, presented the SSR to the winning bidder.  John Bowis said, “Chevy Chase Cars has been serving the community since 1939 and we are proud to continue our long-standing support of the Children’s INN.”

The awarding of the SSR was preceded by a videotape presentation of many of the families and kids who have stayed at the Children’s INN. Donations were brisk and according to Sam Weaver Jr., “The event exceeded all of our expectations.  We would also like to thank the many individuals and companies who donated their time, money and services to make the SSR Auction possible.”  Donations to the Children’s Inn can be made by calling the INN at 301-496-5672.