'Drive for a Cure': Certified AutoBrokers leads summer fundraiser for childhood cancer awareness

Fri, Jun 27th 2025 11:00 am

Community campaign benefits American Cancer Society’s Gold Together initiative

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Certified AutoBrokers, a locally owned dealership on Grand Island, is transforming the car-buying experience into a force for good this July. With a mission to uplift and support children battling cancer, the company has launched “Drive for a Cure,” a monthlong campaign that turns every test drive into a donation.

From July 1-31, Certified AutoBrokers will donate $50 for every test drive. The funds will directly benefit the Gold Together for Childhood Cancer initiative, a program of the American Cancer Society focused entirely on pediatric cancer awareness, advocacy and support.

The concept is simple: Take a car for a test drive, and $50 goes toward helping children and families facing a cancer diagnosis. No purchase is necessary. Every mile driven supports a fight that urgently needs more attention and funding.

“We’re incredibly proud to partner with the American Cancer Society to support their Gold Together program, which funds childhood cancer research, advocacy, and direct support for families,” said Chris Taylor, owner of Certified AutoBrokers. “No family should have to face this fight alone. This cause means a lot to us – not just as a team, but as a community. We’ll be raising money all throughout July, and we’ll close it out with a huge celebration on Aug. 8. We hope to see families from all over Grand Island and Western New York come out and stand with us.”

Supporting a cause that needs the spotlight

While many people are familiar with the American Cancer Society’s work in adult cancer research, fewer realize how underserved the pediatric cancer community is. Childhood cancers account for less than 1% of all cancer diagnoses in the U.S., but remain the leading cause of disease-related death in children.

Despite the severity, only a small portion of national research funding is directed toward pediatric-specific cancers. The Gold Together initiative was founded to address that gap. It helps fund pediatric cancer research, caregiver support, travel and lodging for treatment, and survivorship services for children and families navigating life during and after treatment.

Money raised through Gold Together stays focused where it matters most: supporting families in crisis and driving innovation in childhood cancer treatment. Every donation makes a difference – whether it helps fund a clinical trial, provides a night of lodging, or connects a family with essential counseling services.

“We are incredibly grateful and thrilled to partner with Certified AutoBrokers on their ‘Accelerate Hope’ campaign in support of the American Cancer Society’s Gold Together for Childhood Cancer initiative,” said Dylyn Harrison, development manager for the American Cancer Society. “Working with Certified has been an absolute joy for us. Their passion, energy, and commitment to making a difference in our community is contagious. We are excited to come together in such a fun, and unique way in the fight against cancer. Stop in for a test drive throughout July, and we hope to see everyone Aug. 8 at Certified AutoBrokers!”

Through Gold Together, your support helps fund lifesaving research, advocacy, and direct support. National Cancer Information Center specialists are available 24/7 at 800-227-2345.

From driveways to doorsteps: Certified steps up

Certified AutoBrokers is known across Western New York for its customer-first approach, but this summer, it’s turning its platform toward something bigger.

By offering a $50 donation for every test drive in July, the dealership is making it easy for the community to get involved. No strings attached - just a simple way to stand with families facing unimaginable challenges.

This is Certified’s first time running a campaign of this size, but it won’t be the last. Their goal for 2025 is to raise $15,000 and create a long-lasting, annual tradition of giving back.

‘Accelerate Hope’: One night, one community, one goal

To close out the month, Certified AutoBrokers will host “Accelerate Hope,” a fundraising event from 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, at their dealership, located at 1693 Grand Island Blvd.

For $25 per person, attendees will enjoy:

√ Live music from The After Effect

√ Food by Kevin’s Catering

√ An open bar by The Bar Club

√ Basket raffles and a 50/50 drawing

√ On-site photography and sponsor recognition

With over 200 guests expected, “Accelerate Hope” promises to be a powerful evening of unity, remembrance and generosity. It’s a chance to honor those currently in treatment, remember those lost, and help build a better future for families facing pediatric cancer.

Ways to support

Certified AutoBrokers is still seeking event sponsors, raffle basket donations, and volunteers for the Aug. 8 event.

Raffle baskets can include themed gifts, local items, gift cards, or experiences. The donation deadline is 6 p.m. July 25, and all donors will be publicly recognized at the event.

Volunteers are also needed for event support, including guest check-in, raffle sales, and general coordination.

Tickets are available online or at the door. To learn more, visit iDriveCertified.com or scan the QR code featured in Certified’s campaign materials.

Driving change, one mile at a time

What makes this campaign stand out is its accessibility. Anyone can take part – by test driving a vehicle, attending the event, donating a raffle item, or simply sharing the message.

This summer, Certified AutoBrokers invites the Western New York community to come together not just as customers, but as advocates. With “Drive for a Cure” and “Accelerate Hope,” every action fuels a mission worth fighting for.

Ending childhood cancer takes a team. And this July and August, Grand Island is proving just how powerful that team can be – united, compassionate, and driven to make a difference.

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