Chevrolet of Homewood launches car giveaway
‘ Families in Need’ can be nominated online
For Chevrolet of Homewood President Steve Phillipos, the idea of helping an area family in need is still the driving force behind the dealerships’ recent launch of its third annual car giveaway. This year’s giveaway will present a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic to an area family in need.
With the help of Ja’Mal Green, well- known Chicago- based community activist, and Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld, Phillipos kicked off the start of 2017 nominations at the dealership on Monday, Nov. 13.
The now- annual event, which recently began welcoming nominations for families who might benefit from having a new car, will have the final winning family announced Christmas Eve at the dealership, 18300 Halsted Street in Homewood.
“The key is to find a family in need,” says Phillipos, speaking to a crowd gathered for the kick off in the dealership’s showroom.“If you know of anyone, a neighbor or a friend, please take five minutes to write their story and nominate them by December 17th.” Phillipos began the giveaway event in 2015 by asking for area nominees and having the public vote on a winner for the car. Last year, more than 350 nominees were received and the public voted a family from Palatine as the winner.
According to Green, it was an easy decision to step in and help Phillipos with the giveaway. “When Homewood Chevy first reached out to me, I was struck by how kind this act was. I know a lot of businesses that can afford to help people, but choose not to,” he said.“Cars make the world of difference even though it seems like a small thing. Cars have the ability to open up a world of access to those who sometimes haven’t experienced outside their community.”
While the 2017 car giveaway still has a family in need as the primary beneficiary and it will be utilizing the easy online nomination form from past years, the final judging will be done by a new committee comprised of staff at the dealership, Green and Hofeld.
“This is not just about giving away a new car,” says Phillipos.“This is the kind of thing that can really make someone feel good and hopefully change their life for the better.”