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Local mother of three earns 'Wheels' donated car

 

Longtime resident, Lisa White, mother of three and pharmacy technician at Sonoma Developmental Center, was named the first recipient of a "Wheels to Prosper" car donated through the leadership and generosity of Dino DiGiulio, owner of Body Best Collision Center in Sonoma. The presentation was made Saturday at the Sonoma Community Center.

Chosen from more than 17 nominations sent in by Sonoma Valley residents, White was recognize for her community service as a soccer coach, work with teens at St. Andrew Presbyterian Sunday school, with Young Life and on church missions in El Salvador, while also raising three children, Jayme, 17, Noah, 11, and Trinity, 7, and holding down a full time job.

The car, a completely restored 1999 Buick Century Limited with 68,000 miles, leather power seats and power windows, was the first of three reworked cars that DiGiulio says he plans to donate to worthy local citizens who may also need a little help.

White has been using a neighbor's car because hers was not running and would cost more than she could afford to repair. She was nominated for the Wheels program by Arlene and Gary Sweeden and Kitty Brenek, who cited her generosity with her time on behalf of others and work at St. Andrew as a major reason why she deserved the car.

In accepting the gift, White thanked everyone. "There are a lot of people out there who deserve this. Even being nominated, I felt like a winner," she added.

Scott Andrews of Pacific Rim provided the necessary service mechanically for the car, while Body Best did all of the bodywork, painting and other detailing. North Bay Insurance donated a $250 gas card.

Also chosen for special recognition was Carmina Salcido, who was awarded a $500 check.

Sonoma Mayor Laurie Gallian, one of the panel members who helped DiGiulio review the nominations and make the final selection, announced White as the recipient and praised DiGiulio and the other businesses who partnered with him for being models of philanthropy and taking the lead in actively seeking to help those in need in our community.

Another car will be given away to a worthy recipient on July 30, DiGiulio said, adding that the nominations already received, but not selected in this first round, will be eligible for consideration in the next.

He is also accepting additional nominations via email to: bodybest@vom.com, subject line: "Wheels to Prosper." Or nominations can be mailed to Body Best Collision Center, 19648 Eighth St. E., Sonoma, CA, 95476.

For more information call 479-3713 or go to bodybestofsonoma.com.