Findlay Acura donates 50 turkeys to school

A pair of Findlay Acura executives teamed with members of Collision Authority recently to deliver 50 turkeys to Whitney Elementary School so that needy families could experience a memorable Thanksgiving.

Dealership General Manager James Cobbs and Internet Coordinator Jim Donohue combined with Collision Authority's Mark Manendo to purchase and delivery the turkeys to the school Monday afternoon.

Whitney Elementary is situated just southeast of Boulder Highway and East Tropicana Avenue. As much as 80 percent of the students are from low-income or homeless situations.

Findlay Acura's executives delivered the turkeys in a Acura MCS SUV. The turkeys were purchased with help from Smith's Food and Drug at Sunset Road and Mesa Vista.

"This is a blessing," said Principal Sherrie Gahn, who has led the charge to help needy students at the school since being named to her position seven years ago. "We were really worried about being short on turkeys and now our families can count on a turkey dinner from us.

"It takes a village for something like this to happen. I can't do it on my own."

In addition, Collision Authority and Findlay Acura have announced they will again team up to help Whitney at Christmas.

Cobbs and Donohue were moved by the school and the efforts of Gahn and her staff, who provide food, clothing and even medical treatment to the students. Gahn's own passionate story was one that neither will ever forget.

"Sherrie talked of how, when she was in the fourth grade, she was going to grow up someday to be a teacher and change the world," said Cobbs. "When she became principal at Whitney, she definitely started changing the world. This is an incredible story and you can rest assured that we'll be back."

Donohue was also touched by the Whitney experience.

"Talk about something that will humble you," said Donohue, who has been in the car business for about 14 years. "It was really emotional and I never imagined that so many kids need help. Sherrie and her staff are to be commended for all they do and we're proud to help."

Manendo, a 30-year resident of Las Vegas, state assemblyman and 1985 graduate of Chaparral High School, has been involved with Whitney for several years. His assembly district represents the area where Whitney is situated.

"Whitney is one of those stories that you will never forget once you experience it," said Manendo, 43. "All of us at Collision Authority are happy to team with Findlay Acura to make sure that needy families have a nice Thanksgiving."

The Findlay Acura team also said it would begin collecting much-needed items, such as food or clothing, for Whitney.

Findlay Acura is involved in various civic activities throughout the year including a health fair at the South Point along with Safe Nest for victims of domestic violence. Company employees are joining with Hondoctors performance shop and the Web site www.lvracingscene.com to present the third annual Las Vegas Racing Toy and Coat drive.

Coats can be dropped off at Findlay Acura through Saturday, Dec. 5.

Further information regarding Findlay Acura and its products can be found at www.findlayacura.com or by calling 982-4100.

Situated in the Valley Automall, Findlay Acura is part of the Findlay Automotive Group of dealerships founded in 1961.