Reduce Risk. Increase Profitability. Fuel Growth.
UsedCarNews.com
CALL 870-201-8405 TO GET STARTED
December 2, 2019
Association Comes Together for Charity By Jeffrey Bellant
Rush - Dated Material
The used car dealers of Colorado have taken charity to a whole new level. The CIADA Charity Fund Gala, created by the Colorado Independent Automobile Dealers Association, held its sixth annual event at the Denver Marriott Tech Center, and the results are eye-popping. Former dealer David Cardella, who has been part of the charity’s board of directors since its inception, said people were skeptical that the event could continue over a long period of time. “When we started, we were told this would run its course after three years,” Cardella said. “But at this year’s event (on Nov. 16), we had our largest attendance, with a little more than 400 people. “We raised over $240,000 that evening.” That was in one night. To pull it off, CIADA solicits friends of the industry — banks, credit unions, floorplan companies, auctions, etc. — to help sponsor the event. “We have a sit-down plated dinner where we charge $100 to attend. But the majority of that money mostly goes to the cost of the dinner,” Cardella said. The rest of the event is what breaks the bank in fundraising. Cardella wants to make clear how much vendors, dealers and other industry partners donate to make the event possible. “That’s all donated,” he said. “None of that is purchased by the charity. All of it is donated by our members to help raise money. “We also have a silent auction and a live auction. This year we had about 80 silent auction items contributed and another 35 live auction items.” Live auction items include a vari-
Photo Courtesy of Colorado IADA GAVEL GUY: Dean Gunter (front) served as auctioneer at the annual CIADA Charity Fund Gala, where Colorado used car dealers raised more than $200,000 for local charities.
ety of items, ranging from custommade furniture, to sporting tickets to a 40th anniversary 1993 Chevrolet Corvette. The Corvette was the most coveted item, raising $10,000 alone. But other auction items included
tickets for the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and courtside tickets to see the Denver Nuggets. “Unfortunately, the Denver Broncos tickets didn’t do as well,” Cardella said. The Broncos were 3-7 at press time.
Sports memorabilia included a signed football from Broncos player Chris Harris and a signed photo of Joe Sakic, a 13-time NHL All-Star for the Avalanche. “We had a trip to Italy and a trip to Cabo San Lucas,” he said. “Again, everything is donated for us to raise money for the charities.” The origins of the event go back to a discussion the Colorado IADA’s leaders had years ago when it decided to stop holding a state convention. “We do this in lieu of a state convention,” said Cardella, who is transitioning to be the group’s next CEO when Todd O’Connell, the current CEO, steps down. Cardella said the association felt the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association Convention & Expo provides so much education and vendors, that a state event wasn’t needed. Plus, having a state convention forces dealers to leave or close their business twice for multiple days if they wanted to attend two shows. “It seems that’s why so many states struggle with attendance at their shows,” he said. So, six years ago, the association decided to create a one-day event to bring dealers together for charity, that also would allow members to funnel all of their charitable giving into this one event, as opposed to various local groups. The event begins with the Used Car Dealers of Colorado Charity Fund, founded in 2014. The group’s web site states “The CIADA charity fund exists to represent the goodwill of Independent Used Car Dealers to help all Colorado communities with aid, scholarships and support in order to make a positive difference with families of Colorado.” The group has a charity board Continued on page 9