Good News Garage Will Provide Ten Donated 2008 Chevy Impalas To People In Need.

As you may have heard, Rick Hendrick owner of Hendrick Motorsports generously donated ten beautiful 2008 Chevy Impalas for Good News Garage to provide to working people in need. These people must live in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island or Vermont.

The donated cars are worth $18,000. This is more than the most cars we normally receive, that is why we are having a special application process. We want to make sure the cars are given to people who can afford the insurance and taxes on each car.

If you or someone you know wants to apply for one of these donated cars, you may download an application off Good News Garage's website right now. The deadline for submission is Friday, August 21st. The cars will be award in September and October.

Hal Colston's Vision Honored On Oprah Winfrey Show and by Rick Hendrick

Millions watched on television on May 19th as Good News Garage's visionary founder Hal Colston was honored on The Oprah Winfrey Show/People Magazine Exclusive: Heroes In Hard Times.

During the show, Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrikcars.com, best known for his winning NASCAR team, surprised everyone by donating 10 lightly used Chevy Impalas and $10,000! Hal was stunned, and the staff of Good News Garage, Lutheran Social Services, and Neighborkeepers are overjoyed by this tremendous gift.

We will post more about Hendrick's incredible gift after we get over the shock.

Hal was in the audience at Champlain College, after the show he graciously answered questions about Lutheran Social Services/Good News Garage, Neighborkeepers and what it was like to meet Oprah Winfrey. It was a wonderful dialogue. Hal was his usual humble and inspiring self.

Two of the cars donated by Hendrick will be provided to people in need through Hal's new program, Neighborkeepers.

If you missed the Oprah Winfrey Show, here is a link to watch it online. http://www.oprah.com/media/20090416-tows-good-news-garage

WPTZ channel 5 also create a great peice about Hal Colston. http://www.wptz.com/news/19491220/detail.html

Sponsors of the viewing party were Champlain College and Chittenden Bank

Champlain College Host Viewing Party To Watch Hal Colston and Good News Garage on Oprah Winfrey Show

Hal Colston, Good News Garage's founder, will be on the Oprah Show talking about Good News Garage and his newest non-profit Neighborkeepers. Hal is an adjunct professor at Champlain College. They will be hosting a party to watch the airing of Oprah Show on Tuesday, May 19th. This is free and open to public. Seating starts at 3:30 PM, the show starts at 4:00 PM in Alumni Auditorium. There will be a Q & A with Hal after the meeting. Good News Garage staff will be carpooling over to the event. There should be plenty of parking since the students are on break.

Special thanks to Champlain College for generously hosting this event.

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Martin Luther King's Day of Service

Thank you to the twelve hard-working volunteers who helped us recycle and clean on Martin Luther King Jr.'s Day of Service. We also thank CEDO AmericorpVista for organizing the day.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you ...your extra hands really made a difference.

Volunteer here at Good News Garage on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

On Tuesday, January 19th from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. You are welcome to participate in celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day by helping Good News Garage serve those in need.

Michael Muzzy, GNG's Director and Paul Boone, Ready To Go's Program Manager, will be
working along side those who volunteer at our 331 North Winooski Ave. Office in Burlington, VT.

Good News Garage Featured in the Union Leader

If you read the New Hampshire Union Leader newspaper, then it would have been hard for you to miss yesterday's feature story on Good News Garage. Jim Fennell, UL reporter, did a wonderful job of telling the story of Benjamin Orton, age 6, who has severe microcephaly. Good News Garage receives several donated "unique" vehicles every year and we work very hard to place these cars, vans and trucks in deserving homes. And of course, all vehicles donated to Good News Garage undergo our 72 point checklist to ensure that we only award reliable, quality vehicles. If you did not see yesterday's story, it is available on-line at:

http://unionleader.com/article.aspx?articleId=fe7e14de-0bbb-4dbb-93e2-90a637ba3f36

You may also want to check out the "comments" section as well from the Union Leader web site. The story has received a wonderful response from the community.

As I write this blog, it is December 31st - the last day of 2008. Reading the story of Ben Orton and knowing that cars donated to Good News Garage have helped thousands of needy New England families warms my heart on this cold, snowy New Hampshire day. I wish you peace and a wonderful 2009 and I thank you for your support.

Car Donation Day is December 30th!

Bridgette Graham Marketing Volunteer for Good News Garage Vermont

Do you ever have trouble fitting in errands around your work schedule? I certainly do, which is why it is so great that Good News Garage Vermont is making a special effort to facilitate donations with longer business hours. This special donation event is intended to make bringing in your vehicle as convenient as possible. We will be ready on December 30th, from 8 am to 7 pm with experienced volunteers on hand, to receive your valid title and vehicle. Keep an eye out for our fancy donation signs with bright yellow notification of this unique drop-off opportunity.

Good News Garage staff normally work diligently from 8-5, but so do many of our donors. So, instead of rushing to get here before closing with your donated vehicle, on December 30, 2008 we invite you to take your time. Just bring your valid title and car any time between 8am and 7pm, and enjoy the convenience of our special extended hours drop-off event. Whether your car arrives at 8 am or 7 pm you are still eligible for the same tax deduction benefit that always comes with helping our worthy organization.