Madison resident receives vehicle from American Family Insurance and Gerber Collision & Glass as part of NABC Recycled Rides® program

American Family Insurance and body shop Gerber Collision & Glass teamed up to provide the refurbished vehicle during a presentation at the July 21 Milwaukee Brewers^TM vs. New York Mets game at American Family Field.

Through National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides® program, American Family partners with local auto body shops to donate vehicles that have been declared a total loss, which could result from a collision, hail damage or other accident. This nationwide, nonprofit project, organized by the NABC, repairs and then donates vehicles to deserving recipients, which often includes members of the military. 

From total loss to new life 
When a car is declared a total loss, American Family pays the customer for the actual cash value of the vehicle before the loss. American Family usually takes possession of the vehicle and can sell it through a salvage vendor. With this program, rather than take the salvage proceeds, American Family donates the vehicles and a local auto body shop donates its services to repair them. The vehicles are repaired to industry standards and meet safety requirements. 

American Family and Gerber Collison & Glass worked together with a nonprofit organization to identify a deserving recipient for this gift. Recipients meet certain requirements such as need, valid driver’s license and ability to insure and maintain the vehicle.

For this gift, the nonprofit partner was Stand Down Madison, whose mission is to link community partners, offering a wide variety of essential services such as healthcare, housing assistance and food as “a hand-up not a hand-out,” to veterans experiencing, or at risk of homelessness. The individual nominated to receive the vehicle is an active-duty military member who volunteers with the organization.

NABC Recycled Rides latest recipient 
Hakeem Williams was enthusiastically recommended by Stand Down Madison for this NABC Recycled Rides presentation.

Hakeem not only regularly volunteers with Stand Down Madison, he balances active-duty military service in the Air National Guard with being a University of Wisconsin-Madison student. He has received numerous military awards, including the Titan Award for outstanding contributions and selfless service, as well as been inducted into honor societies for high academic standing and leadership.

Most notable of all, he manages all this as the single father of three children. Hakeem was described as “an exceptionally deserving candidate for this gift.”

Hakeem and his three children were special guests at the game at American Family Field.

“Hakeem is someone who continually serves others – his family, his country and veterans in need, and does it all without the benefit of reliable transportation,” said Tim Constien, American Family Insurance chief claims officer. “Assisting individuals like Hakeem is what the Recycled Rides program is all about, and we’re honored to support and thank him for his selfless commitment to so many others. We’re proud to present this vehicle gift to Hakeem, knowing it will make life better for him and his family and ease the transportation barriers he’s faced in the past.”

Representatives from the participating organizations presented Hakeem with the keys to a completely refurbished 2022 Toyota Highlander. 

In addition to Hakeem and his children, attending the event from American Family Insurance were Tim Constien and Vice President of Claims Danny Henderson. Representing Gerber Collision & Glass were Dennis Demaio, national account manager and Gary Bunce, senior vice president of sales. Angie Nickels was also in attendance with Stand Down Madison.

Photo caption from group photo, left to right: Hakeem Williams, Tim Constien, Danny Henderson, Dennis Demaio, Gary Bunce, Angie Nickels

# # #

About American Family Insurance 
American Family Insurance based in Madison, Wis., has been serving customers since 1927. We inspire, protect and restore dreams through our insurance products, exceptional service from our agency owners and employees, community investments and creative partnerships. American Family Insurance is the nation’s 12th-largest property/casualty insurance company, ranking No. 226 on the Fortune 500 list. American Family has a current ‘a+’ credit rating through AM Best, and has distinction as a “Standing the Test of Time” company, which is represented by having an AM Best financial strength rating of ‘A’ or better for at least 75 years. The company offers American Family-brand products through a network of exclusive agency owners as well as nationwide through key strategic partnerships. American Family Insurance also includes Homesite and Main Street America Insurance. The company has approximately 10,500 employees nationwide.