Milwaukee resident receives vehicle at American Family Field from American Family Insurance and Gerber Collision & Glass as part of NABC Recycled Rides® program
Milwaukee, Wisconsin resident Dontae Exford was the recipient of a vehicle donated by American Family Insurance and refurbished by Gerber Collision & Glass as part of the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® program.
We admire individuals like Dontae who, though facing very difficult challenges, have committed to doing the hard work and taking necessary steps to improve their lives. A lack of reliable transportation should not be an added barrier, and we’re proud to join with our partners to support the efforts of deserving recipients like Dontae by providing him with a refurbished vehicle as he continues on his positive journey toward self-reliance.
American Family Insurance and body shop Gerber Collision & Glass teamed up to provide a refurbished vehicle to a Milwaukee resident during a pre-game presentation at the July 8 Milwaukee BrewersTM game at American Family Field.
Dontae Exford was the recipient of the vehicle donated by American Family Insurance and refurbished by Gerber Collision & Glass as part of the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides® program.
Through this 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 donates vehicles to deserving recipients.
Since 2007, the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides Program, along with their partners like American Family, has presented more than 3,500 vehicles, valued at more than $50 million to both people in need, veterans and charitable organizations.
Total-loss cars are a gain for recipient independence
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. Other vendors also offer parts and services. 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.
This most recent recipient was chosen in collaboration with Community Advocates, an American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation partner organization based in Milwaukee.
Recipient is guest at American Family Field
Dontae was a special guest at the Milwaukee Brewers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game on July 8 at American Family Field.
Dontae has worked hard with the help of Community Advocates to address challenges in his life, including homelessness. In nominating Dontae, Community Advocates noted his drive and determination to better his life.
With their assistance and Dontae’s dedication, he now has stable employment and housing. However, a lack of reliable transportation has made it challenging to commute to work and also to be able to see his daughter, who lives in Kentucky. Dontae says the donation of this vehicle will be life-changing. He is committed to paying it forward through volunteering to help others with similar struggles and show them there is a positive path forward.
“We admire individuals like Dontae who, though facing very difficult challenges, have committed to doing the hard work and taking necessary steps to improve their lives,” said Tim Constien, American Family chief claims officer. “A lack of reliable transportation should not be an added barrier, and we’re proud to join with our partners to support the efforts of deserving recipients like Dontae by providing him with a refurbished vehicle as he continues on his positive journey toward self-reliance.”
Bernie Brewer was on hand to present Dontae with the keys to a completely refurbished 2022 Toyota 4-Runner. Dontae was accompanied by his brother, Marcus Harris.
Also at American Family Field for the presentation was Constien, Ben Bilkey, director of adjusting services, and agency owner Ryan Norton. Representing Gerber Collision & Glass was Dennis DeMaio, national account manager, and Gary Bunce, senior vice president of sales. In attendance from the National Auto Body Council was board member Kristle Bollans. Keyjuane Jennings from Community Advocates was also on hand to support Dontae.
In addition, American Family Insurance partners Agero donated the vehicle towing for this event, and Copart donated the cost of the registration and title fees.
American Family Insurance and Gerber Collision & Glass have been honored to participate in the NABC Recycled Rides program providing vehicle gifts for more than a decade.
(Photos courtesy of Milwaukee Brewers).
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About American Family Insurance
American Family Insurance, a mutual holding company 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 Group is the nation’s 12th-largest property/casualty insurance group, ranking No. 202 on the Fortune 500 list. The Group 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 75 years. The group sells American Family-brand products, primarily through exclusive agency owners in 19 states. The American Family Insurance Group also includes CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, Homesite and Main Street America Insurance and has approximately 11,000 employees nationwide.