Auto dealers raise funds for autism

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Neighbors | Submitted.Members of the Rich Center for Autism, from left, Tricia Perry and Phyllis Ricchiuti accepted a check from Rob Fellman, chairman and president of the Automoblie Dealership Association of Eastern Ohio; Steve Chos, executive vice president of ADAEO; John Kufleitner of Columbiana Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge; Tom Levak and Steve Bott of Mark Thomas Ford July 7. The automoble association raised the money during its Presidential Gala May 1.

The Automobile Dealers Association of Eastern Ohio presented the Rich Center for Autism with a check July 7 for $47,873 it raised during a charity auction May 1 at its Presidential Gala.

The record amount brings the 12-year total of the ADAEO’s charitable contributions raised at the annual event to $399,088.

The Rich Center at Youngstown State University is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families through the creation, use and enhancement of innovative educational programs specifically designed to assure the attainment of a life of dignity and to enhance the individual’s opportunities to achieve their full potential.

Although area automobile and truck dealers have long contributed to local charities individually, the dealers’ organization annually conducts this collective effort as a was of helping others in the community.