The New York Giants victory on February 5 may have marked the end of the 2011 NFL season, but Courtesy Toyota of Brandon wants to take this opportunity to recognize another program that ran alongside it. Toyota Halftime Handoff helped provide exposure and donations to a number of different organizations over a 15-week period.
Over the course of the NFL season, Toyota awarded a total of $150,000 ($10,000 each) to 15 different sports-related nonprofit organizations based on public votes. The winners were announced on the NBC Sunday Night Football halftime show.
Winners included:
• Athletes for Hope (Week 1): This program's mission is to encourage and assist athletes in community service and charitable causes, and to inspire others to follow their lead.
• SUDS Diving (Week 4): Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba (SUDS) helps improve the lives of soldiers injured in Afghanistan, giving them an opportunity to encourage rehabilitation and enjoy a new sport.
• Project Healing Waters, Fly Fishing Inc (Week 7): This organization provides fly fishing education and outings for wounded veterans.
• Shane's Inspiration (Week 10): This group helps construct playgrounds that are accessible to all children, including those who are disabled or in wheelchairs. Shane's Inspiration also encourages interaction and learning between all children.
• Meridian Police Activities League (Week 13): Meridian PAL promotes sportsmanship and fitness in the community as well as healthy relationships between youth and law enforcement agencies.
Congratulations to these winners and the others, as well as to all of the organizations who received exposure over the course of the program. At Courtesy Toyota of Brandon, our commitment to the community extends throughout the year. Check upcoming newsletters to see what we're getting involved with in 2012!