Toyota Donates a New Prius to Sharefest to Renew Local Communities

TORRANCE, Calif., May 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, May 14th, Sharefest Community Development will announce the winner of a new 2011 Toyota Prius at Gardena High School. Toyota generously donated the new vehicle to Sharefest to raise funds for its innovative and effective work of community development in the South Bay and Harbor areas. Toyota has been a multi-year sponsor of Sharefest and its annual community Workday; this donated vehicle is another symbol of an ever-growing partnership between Sharefest and Toyota.

"The Prius is a gesture of our support for Sharefest's vision of making a difference in our local communities," remarked Michael Rouse, Vice President, Philanthropy & Community Affairs for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "Through our continued partnership, Toyota and Sharefest will continue to leverage resources to leave a lasting imprint of hope in the lives of those who work and live in the South Bay."

By the time the winning ticket will be drawn, Sharefest will have commenced its 8th Annual Workday – an event which bands together thousands of volunteers to complete hundreds of service projects in neighborhoods and schools throughout the Los Angeles South Bay and Harbor areas. These volunteer projects are estimated to be hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of community improvements – which come at no cost to recipients.

One of the featured projects of this year's Workday is the revitalization of the campus of Gardena High School, which was rattled by a tragic shooting on school grounds. The campus-wide facelift includes major landscaping, painting, murals, a new marquee, general clean up, and adding skate and bike racks.  These improvements are not only intended to enhance the exterior appearance of the campus, but also restore a positive atmosphere of hope for the students and faculty of Gardena High School.

During the course of one day, thousands of volunteers will leave a similar imprint of hope and care in almost every city throughout Los Angeles County. They will install a 40ft high scoreboard and build a sustainable urban garden at San Pedro High School, upgrade an amphitheatre at Adams Middle School in Torrance, install a donated $27,000 computer lab at Holmes Ave. Elementary School in Los Angeles, beautify dozens of schools and complete hundreds of other projects.

Sharefest once again has been able to rally support from generous local businesses like Toyota, non-profit organizations, faith communities, and residents in the community to achieve its goals. "The Workday has become a vehicle for many in our communities to find common ground for turning care for their community into action," explained Sharefest Executive Director Chad Mayer.

For more info, please visit www.sharefestinc.org or call (310) 626-8106.

Sharefest Community Development is a 501c3 non-profit, founded in 2006, that develops comprehensive programs and services that strengthen communities and meet the needs in the lives of children and families. Through its Workday, Sharefest has been repeatedly recognized statewide and nationally. It has made at least $5.6 million worth of improvements to the Los Angeles area to date.

SOURCE Sharefest Community Development