CHICAGO -

This week, Cars.com utilized its corporate giving initiative and leveraged voting through its social media platforms to award a $100,000 donation to Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).

Cars.com president Mitch Golub highlighted why SADD received these funds and also shared more background about Cars.com Cares.

“We launched Cars.com Cares this year to help fuel organizations that share our mission of building confidence,” Golub explained.

“SADD builds confidence in kids and young adults through the promotion of positive lifestyle choices. I’m thrilled they are receiving our $100,000 donation to continue their great work,” he continued.

Golub went on to mention voting for Cars.com Cares began on the site’s Facebook page on Jan. 26 and continued through Feb. 13. During that time, fans could vote for one of seven causes in the running for the site’s grand donation.

Other participating causes included Adopt-A-Classroom, Alliance For a Healthier Generation, Cameras for Kids Foundation, Reading Is Fundamental, Scholarship America and VH1 Save The Music Foundation.

Cars.com pointed out that it also got Super Bowl viewers and Facebook fans involved in the program.

Every time someone tagged the site’s Super Bowl ad using Shazam or shared their vote on Facebook, Cars.com added a $1 donation to the cause with the most votes, up to $100,000.

Officials indicated SADD brought in the largest number of votes from its national network to receive the full donation.

The site added each participating cause also received a donation from Cars.com Cares.

“We cannot thank Cars.com enough for including us in the Cars.com Cares program,” stated SADD executive director Penny Wells.

“This donation will help fund many of our prevention education programs in schools and communities across the country,” Wells emphasized. “SADD gives young people the confidence to stand up for their beliefs and the tools they need to help other teens make choices that are healthy and positive.”