Ernestina Valdes was given a tremendous gift from a California car dealership. But it wasn’t best gift she received.

Salinas Honda in Salinas, Calif., presented Valdes with a 2024 Honda Civic Sport Sedan as the winner of a raffle benefitting the American Cancer Society in conjunction with the organization’s Relay For Life of Salinas Valley.

The raffle raised $52,000 for the American Cancer Society over 17 weeks, part of the $554,000 total raised by the 2024 Relay For Life event.

For Valdes, a breast cancer survivor and active supporter of the American Cancer Society, that part was more satisfying that winning the car.

“I am truly grateful for the American Cancer Society’s support, and for my cousin Lupe, who has been a part of my cancer journey,” said Valdes, who purchased her raffle tickets from her cousin Lupe Brambila, a fellow cancer survivor and volunteer.

“Winning this car is a wonderful surprise, but what means the most to me is being part of an organization that’s making a difference for survivors like me and countless others.”

Salinas Honda, one of 18 Northern California dealerships operated by Del Grande Dealer Group, has donated a vehicle for the American Cancer Society’s raffle for the past 23 years, and its former owner Sam Linder was responsible for bringing the Relay For Life event to the community.

Linder had participated in the event while living in Washington and helped it begin in Salinas in 1997. It has raised some $17.5 million for the organization since then.

DGDG supports national and local organizations through its charitable arm, DGDG Does Good, which has donated more than $1 million to worthy causes and recipients.

“Giving back to our community continues to be a core value for DGDG,” DGDG CEO Jeremy Beaver said, “and our Salinas Honda team, led by general manager Al Feria, has done a great job continuing the legacy of giving back with the participation in the Salinas Relay event.

“We hope to continue this partnership for years to come to raise awareness and funds to fight cancer.”

AutoNation offers Veterans Day discount to military veterans

In recognition of the contributions of military servicemembers, AutoNation is saluting those who have selflessly defended our country with an exclusive 20% discount up to $300 for military veterans on all services in-store at AutoNation-branded locations nationwide and at the recipient’s preferred location for AutoNation Mobile Service from Veterans Day (Nov. 11) through Nov. 16.

“We owe an incredible debt to the brave men and women and the more than 1,000 patriots right here at AutoNation who have earned the title American veteran,” AutoNation president of after-sales Christian Treiber said in a news release. “Thank you to our active military, veterans and their families for all you do to keep our country safe. Your dedication to serving our country by putting others before yourself is truly admirable.

“At AutoNation, we are committed to honoring the values you have so selflessly defended for generations.”

The company said the discount is open to all active U.S. military personnel, U.S. military veterans and their spouses. Acceptable forms of verification to receive the discount include a leave and earning statement, U.S. military ID card or DD Form 214, certificate of release or discharge from active duty.

AutoNation said its commitment to “serving those who serve” is goes beyond Veteran’s Day. As part of its dedication to eliminating barriers to employment and increasing economic opportunities for veterans, the company this year partnered with the U.S. Army in its Partnership for Your Success (PaYs) program.

Through PaYs, AutoNation connects soldiers transitioning from active duty to civilian life with career opportunities with the company.