AutoNation Grants $100,000 to Establish Sylvester Children's Cancer Research Fund
AutoNation has awarded a $100,000 grant to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a division of the University of Miami Health System, to establish the AutoNation Children’s Cancer Research Fund. The endowment aims to advance pediatric cancer research and fund clinical initiatives that enhance patient care and outcomes for affected children and families. The presentation took place on September 26 during the Miami Hurricanes football team’s "Pink Game."
(l-r) Marilité Vazquez-Gonzalez, senior marketing director at AutoNation; Jeff Butler, president of AutoNation Finance; Dr. Stephen Nimer, director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Javier Sanchez, executive director of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge. (Photo credit Ravi Kiluk)
The grant is one of ten $100,000 donations being distributed to oncology organizations nationwide to mark the 10th anniversary of DRV PNK, AutoNation’s corporate fundraising campaign. Over the past decade, the DRV PNK program has directed more than $50 million toward cancer research, treatment, and support services through community events, races, and supply drives supported by employees across its 300 retail locations.
Representatives from AutoNation, including AutoNation Finance President Jeff Butler and Senior Marketing Director Marilité Vazquez-Gonzalez, presented the funding check to Dr. Stephen Nimer, Director of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Javier Sanchez, Executive Director of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge. The gift builds upon a 20-year philanthropic partnership between AutoNation and Sylvester, which includes $1 million in support provided to the Dolphins Cancer Challenge over the last four years.
The newly formed fund will support laboratory research and specialized family care services within the hospital's pediatric oncology division. To learn more about the initiative or contribute to ongoing research, visit autonation.com/our-purpose/drive-pink.