IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 18, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Autobytel (Nasdaq:ABTL), pioneer of the automotive Internet and the company dedicated to connecting automotive consumers with dealers, recently held a company competition to net food items for Families Forward, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support and assistance to families in crisis. In all, more than 1,000 food items were collected for those in need, in honor of World Kindness Day which coincided with the event. For the fourth year, Autobytel employees were asked to create a memorable display of their donations, with the top prize going to a design of the Autobytel logo made out of canned goods and other non-perishable food items. This was the company's most successful food drive yet.
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"Autobytel is dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility, and to giving back to people who need our help," said Jeff Coats, president and CEO of Autobytel Inc. "I am constantly amazed at the dedication of our employees, and the spirit of giving they demonstrate for charitable organizations we have partnered with to make a difference in our community. Helping those in need is incredibly rewarding and something we urge all organizations to consider – not just during the holidays but year round."
Coats said the company supports a number of charitable organizations, including its corporate sponsorship of Working Wardrobes, a Costa Mesa, California nonprofit dedicated to helping men, women, young adults, and veterans overcome difficult challenges to find meaningful employment; blood drives for The Red Cross; and food and back-to-school supply drives for Families Forward, among others.
Team ABT, an in-house charitable event council, coordinated the food drive and challenged employees to a contest to see which departments could net the most food items and who could create the most unique display. The winning Autobytel department is being treated to a pizza party in the coming weeks.
Founded in 1984, and based in Orange County, California, Families Forward strives to supply individuals and families with the tools to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency. Each year, the organization holds a Thanksgiving-themed grocery distribution for local families in need. Last year, Families Forward assisted over 7,500 individuals through housing, counseling, food, referrals, school supplies, career coaching, and other services.
About Autobytel Inc.
Autobytel Inc. provides high quality consumer leads and associated marketing services to automotive dealers and manufacturers throughout the United States and offers consumers robust and original online automotive content to help them make informed car-buying decisions. The company pioneered the automotive internet in 1995 with its flagship website http://www.autobytel.com/ and has since helped tens of millions of automotive consumers research vehicles; connected thousands of dealers nationwide with motivated car buyers; and helped every major automaker market its brand online.
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