FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., July 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Chrysler Financial is demonstrating its commitment to the men and women of the U.S. military by donating $28,358.00 to the USO from an 11-day one-of-a-kind "Freedom Jeep(R)" auction on eBay(R). The donation will be used to support programs and services that benefit the troops and their families.
Bud Mick, from Ypsilanti, Mich., outbid 12 other bidders to drive off with the Jeep Wrangler X, which is emblazoned in red, white and blue patriotic graphics to symbolize America's celebration of freedom and democracy. Approximately 4,500 potential bidders visited the eBay site. Mick will take possession of the vehicle today at Schultz Motors of Milan Inc., Milan, Mich.
"The USO is very grateful to Chrysler Financial for the special auction, and to all the bidders for helping the USO continue to provide social, cultural and educational services to boost the morale of our men and women in uniform," said USO President and CEO Edward A. Powell.
The vehicle is outfitted with USO vanity license plates and was autographed by more than 50 national political and business leaders in pre- auction displays. They include Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and members of Congress from Michigan and Ohio, including Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin; and Reps. Joe Knollenberg, John Dingell, John Conyers and Mike Rogers. Signers from Ohio include Gov. Robert Taft, and U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, the first woman to sit on the House Committee on Armed Services Appropriations.
Chrysler Financial Vice President William F. Jones Jr. said, "We are proud to support the USO in its mission to boost the morale of our men and women in uniform, and for its many programs to support them and their families at 121 centers around the world."
About the USO: For more than 64 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been providing morale and recreation-type services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. For more information on the USO, please visit our Web site at http://www.uso.org .
About Chrysler Financial: Chrysler Financial offers a complete line of world-class automotive financial products and services for both dealers and consumers of Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. In 2005, Chrysler Financial continues to offer vehicle wholesale and retail financing, fleet management and lines of credit to all 3,900 Chrysler Group dealers. As an industry leader in support technology, Chrysler Financial provides its customers with the most innovative and efficient methods of doing business. Visit http://www.chryslerfinancial.com for more information.
North America; USO