Dodge Brand Partners with Challenged Athletes Foundation® for 2011 Season

TEMPE, Ariz., Jan. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

• Dodge brand named "Global Partner" for the 2011 season
• Brand serves as "Title Sponsor" of Challenged Athletes Foundation®'s Million Dollar Challenge 
• Challenged Athlete Foundation is one of three charities to benefit from Dodge brand's test drives for charity

The Dodge brand today announced its partnership with the Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) for the charity's 2011 season. The Dodge brand will serve as a "Global Partner" for the foundation as well as the "Title Sponsor" of the Million Dollar Challenge. The partnership kicks off Sunday, Jan. 16 in Tempe, Ariz. at the CAF's Swim Clinic at Arizona State University.

"Like the Dodge brand, the challenged athlete refuses to live life in the slow lane," said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "We are proud to serve as a global partner to the Challenged Athletes Foundation. We are deeply moved by the vigor and determination that these remarkable athletes demonstrate at these events."

CAF is one of three charities to benefit from Dodge brand's test drives for charity which will take place at "Rock 'n' Roll Marathon" series held across the country. Test drives for charity give marathon runners and their supporters a chance to experience the Dodge brand's new performance mantra first hand, while enabling them to donate to one of three charities. For each test drive taken, the brand will donate $20 to one of the following charities chosen by the participants:

• Challenged Athletes Foundation (http://www.challengedathletes.org)
• Clinton Bush Haiti Fund (http://www.clintonbushhaitifund.org)
• The American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org)   

"It's a privilege for the Challenged Athletes Foundation to partner with Dodge on these two unique events," said Virginia Tinley, CAF's Executive Director. "We share a passion for providing an innovative and quality product, or in our case, service, to people to improve lives. The two custom wrapped Dodge Grand Caravans are now a symbol of hope coming down the California coastline."

Dodge Swim Clinic

CAF and Dodge will host a Swim Clinic at the Arizona State University Student Recreation Complex in Tempe, AZ on Sunday, Jan. 16 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. This free clinic will feature instruction from elite swim coach, Alan Voisard and former member of the USA National team and Olympic Trials competitor, Alison Terry and is part of CAF's Catch a Rising Star program.

The swim clinic is open to physically challenged athletes of any age or physical disability with basic swimming ability; the goal is to not only improve speed and technique, but also for participants to gain confidence by networking with their peers. The clinic is open to any person with a physical challenge and there is no charge to participate. To register, please contact Travis Ricks at 858.210.3524 or [email protected].

Challenged Athletes Foundation

The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is a world leader in helping individuals with physical challenges get involved – and stay involved – in sports. CAF believes that participation in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. Since 1994, more than $30 million has been raised and more than 5,000 funding requests from challenged athletes in all 50 states and dozens of countries have been satisfied. Additionally, CAF's outreach efforts reach another 65,000 individuals each year. Whether it's a $2,500 grant for a handcycle, helping underwrite a carbon fiber running foot not covered by insurance, or arranging enthusiastic encouragement from a mentor who has triumphed over a similar challenge, CAF's mission is clear: give those with the desire to live active, athletic lifestyles every opportunity to compete in the sports they love. To learn more, log on to www.challengedathletes.org or call 858-866-0959.

About Dodge Brand

Dodge is a full line of cars, crossovers, minivans and SUVs that are agile, daring, sensible and inventive. The brand is on a tear for the 2011 model year, redefining itself with six all-new or significantly redesigned new vehicles, introducing new lifestyle packages designed to better meet the needs of its customers, launching catchy new ads that have started conversations with owners and potential owners, actively participating in new events and sponsorships and developing relationships with its long-loyal enthusiast base, as well as reaching out to customers who want cars that leave them wanting more.

For the 2011 model year, the Dodge brand is filling dealer showrooms with a vast array of new and updated products. The Dodge product line includes the all-new Dodge Durango and Dodge Charger, significantly revamped Grand Caravan, Journey, Avenger and Challenger, and the Dodge Caliber and Dodge Nitro. 

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About Chrysler Group LLC Automobility Program

Chrysler Group was the first OEM to offer a commitment to lighten the financial burden of equipment adaptation on new Chrysler Group vehicles. Automobility provides up to $1,000 in cash reimbursement on mobility upgrades on new Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Ram Truck brand vehicles. Designed to help customers with permanent disabilities enter, exit, and/or operate a new vehicle; Automobility can help customers continue do the things they love to do in life.

Automobility Program information can be obtained by visiting the community support section of the Chrysler Group web site at www.chryslerautomobility.com or by calling (800) 255-9877.

SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC