AutoNation Announces $300,000 Matching Grant to Kick-off Campaign to Alleviate Homelessness in Broward County

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Aug 09, 2018, 14:07 ET

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN), America's largest automotive retailer, today announced that the company has established a $300,000 matching grant to help alleviate homelessness in Broward County.

AutoNation's grant will kick-off fund raising efforts by United We End Homelessness, a joint initiative of United Way of Broward County, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance in conjunction with the Broward Business Council on Homelessness. The Broward Business Council is working in lock-step with Broward County Government and for the initial phase, with the City of Fort Lauderdale. These agencies have been working together for months to create a strategic multi-pronged approach to ending chronic homelessness. They are all contributing expertise, time and resources to making this happen. Phase one of the project focuses on the establishment of permanent housing units and ancillary services for the chronically homeless in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Future plans include the expansion of permanent housing throughout Broward County.

Mike Jackson, AutoNation's Chairman, CEO and President and Co-Chairman of the Business Council is deeply committed to finding real solutions to chronic homelessness. "We are challenging the members of the Broward Business Community with a matching grant because we care about quality of life for our current and future residents, and the homeless individuals themselves. We must do more to create a home for all."

James Donnelly, Founder & CEO of the Castle Group and Co-Chairman of the Business Council agrees, "Homelessness is a human tragedy and as the business leaders of Broward we are united to help facilitate solutions to problems, evaluate options and build consensus to make the quality of life better for all our citizens."

Kathleen Cannon, President & CEO of United Way of Broward County said, "We are very grateful to Mike Jackson and AutoNation for their leadership role in this initiative. Broward County is lucky to have corporate citizens like AutoNation who are willing to invest in the future of our community." Bob Swindell, President & CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance agrees, "Through the collaborative efforts of a strong and thriving business community, we are determined to find real-life solutions to this humanitarian crisis. We are confident that our business leaders will follow AutoNation's lead by providing the financial support we need to end homelessness."

AutoNation will match 100% of all new donations up to $300,000 made to United We End Homeless now through December 31, 2018. For more information, please contact Heather Davidson at [email protected] or at 954-308-9277.

About AutoNation, Inc.
AutoNation, America's largest automotive retailer, is transforming the automotive industry through its bold leadership, innovation, and comprehensive brand extensions. As of June 30, 2018, AutoNation owned and operated over 325 locations from coast to coast. AutoNation has sold over 11 million vehicles, the first automotive retailer to reach this milestone. AutoNation's success is driven by a commitment to delivering a peerless experience through customer-focused sales and service processes. Through its Drive Pink initiative, AutoNation is committed to drive out cancer, create awareness and support critical research. AutoNation continues to be a proud supporter of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and other cancer-related charities.

Please visit investors.autonation.com, www.autonation.com, www.autonationdrive.com, www.twitter.com/autonation, www.twitter.com/CEOMikeJackson, www.facebook.com/autonation, and www.facebook.com/CEOMikeJackson, where AutoNation discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations.

About United Way of Broward County
United Way of Broward County is a volunteer driven, community-based, non-profit organization servicing Broward County for more than 75 years. United Way of Broward County fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community. United Way of Broward County is the catalyst for change and convener of partnerships that unite the hearts, minds, and resources within the Broward community. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayBroward.org.

About the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance is Broward County's official public/private partnership for economic development. Its mission is to lead Broward County in building a stronger and more diverse economy by stimulating the creation of new jobs and capital investment while facilitating the growth and retention of businesses in Broward County. Services offered by the Alliance include assistance with business relocation or expansion and site selection; incentive programs and information; market research; and serving as a liaison for workforce development between CareerSource Broward, educational institutions and the business community. Connect to the Alliance at Facebook.com/GFLAlliance and @GFLAlliance on Twitter and Instagram.

SOURCE AutoNation, Inc.