Schools

Car Purchases Will Raise Money for Local School Districts

DeCozen Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Verona is partnering with the Verona and Caldwell-West Caldwell School Districts to make a donation every time a resident buys a car.

Verona, Caldwell and West Caldwell residents will have the unique opportunity to help out their school district while driving off the lot in their brand new car.

 DeCozen Chrysler Jeep Dodge, located at 225 Bloomfield Ave. in Verona will be partnering with the Verona and Caldwell-West Caldwell School Districts by making donations every time a resident makes a car purchase.

“This is the kind of stuff we need more of,” said Verona Superintendent of Schools Steven Forte. “This is a great opportunity for the schools and to help support businesses in town, its a win win.”

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On Feb. 22, DeCozen held a special event to get ready for the big March 1 car kickoff with Superintendents of each school as well as members of the district's school foundations.

“We are very grateful for this opportunity, and are looking forward to working with DeCozen and the Verona School District on this partnership,” said James Heinegg, Superintendent of the Caldwell-West Caldwell School District. “The program will benefit our students through the Caldwell-West Caldwell Education Foundation, which plays a critical role in supporting our schools." 

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DeCozen will make a $200 donation to the school district of any resident of Verona, Caldwell or West Caldwell who buys a car anytime from March to May of 2013.

“We are an in-town dealer and want to be more involved in the community,” said Michael Cerino, DeCozen CEO and President of the Verona Chamber of Commerce. “What better way to get involved than to partner with the schools?”

The partnership came into fruition after Cerino and Forte met at a Chamber of Commerce networking event held at the dealership in January.

When a donation is made to the Verona Foundation for Educational Excellence, 100 percent of the profits benefit the students, said Foundation President Douglas Smith.

“We are a foundation to support the schools and inspire minds while raising money through private organizations, corporations or individual donations,” said Smith. “We support Verona students through grants and provide the school with activities beyond what basic taxes par for.”

“We are thrilled Decozen is able to help support our local schools,” he said.


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