I Fight Fanconi

 

FANCONI ANEMIA

This September KIA Autosport of Tallahassee is partnering up with Kidz1^stFund!  Kidz1^stFund was created in 2011 by Jimbo and Candi Fisher after their son was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia. They started Kidz1^stFund to educate the community, stimulate awareness, and raise money for Fanconi anemia research.

What is Fanconi Anemia?

Fanconi Anemia (FA) is an inherited anemia; it is primarily a blood disease that affects all systems of the body.  Ninety  percent of patients develop bone marrow failure, necessitating a stem cell transplant. Even after a patient has received a bone marrow transplant the fight is not over, many complications arise in those who make it into adulthood. Cancer is one of the most common diseases associated with FA, eighteen to twenty percent of patients develop acute myelogenous leukemia. 

FA is primarily a recessive disorder: if both parents carry a defect in the same FA gene, each of their children has a twenty-five percent chance of inheriting the defective gene. Though it is not a well-known disease it is estimated that about 1 in 131,000 babies in the United States will be born with FA, approximately 31 babies a year. Fifteen years ago the survival rate was at merely thirty percent; however with the help of scientist and those working to find a cure the survival rate is now an incredible eighty percent.

Why is it important to help?

“Discovering treatments, uncovering secrets and discovering a cure all require research—and research takes money.  New treatments are in the process of being developed and breakthroughs are close in sight, at such a pivotal point in the research process all efforts are needed to help find a cure and improve the lives of those with Fanconi anemia.” –Kids1stFund

How can you help?

Our mission is to find effective treatments and a cure for Fanconi anemia and to provide education and support services to affected families worldwide.

 As their mission statements illuminates there are many ways to help the fight Fanconi Anemia. The obvious way to help is by donating towards FA. Any amount can make a huge difference; that is why throughout the month of September KIA Autosport we will be collecting donations. At the end of the month Melanie Lee will be matching the total amount raised. However, donating money is not the only way to get involved, you can help by simply creating awareness of FA. Educating others and spreading the word about Fanconi anemia is contributing to the cause because awareness stimulates action.  Another way to help is by donating bone marrow. As stated almost everyone affected by FA will need to receive a bone marrow transplant, unfortunately not everyone has a suitable donor. By joining the Nation Marrow Donor Registry you can determine if you a match to one of the thousands of people who are looking for help.  Visit Be The Match at www.marrow.org to find out how you can help.

ELC MONTH

Early Learning Coalition Month

The month of July and August is Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Months here at Kia Autosport of Tallahassee! We have a bunch of promotions and events going on throughout the month and are so excited to bring attention to this great organization!
The Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region (ELC) is a private not-for-profit organization that provides services to families, children, and child care providers in the seven counties that comprise northern Florida’s Big Bend Region: Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla.

The ELC works collaboratively with families, their children, and local child care providers to help prepare children for success in school and support families' ability to work. Through effective parent education and professional development for child care professionals, the ELC connects the home and school by sharing critical information and resources on child development and how to best support each child's individual growth.

Family support services including tuition assistance programs, child care information services, and community referrals support each families' individual success by connecting them to the information and resources they need. The ELC works with families to connect them to quality child care options and support them in choosing a program that best meets their child's needs.

Services:

• Help families find the quality child care services they need for their child;
• Help families pay for child care for those that qualify;
• Conduct hearing, vision, and development screening to make sure children are developing as they should for their age;
• Help parents learn what they can do to support their child’s growth and development;
• Connect families to additional support services they may need…

The ELC helps “Families get ready for work, and children get ready to learn!”.

Back to School Drive Event

As it draws close to time for kids to go back to school, Kia Auto Sport wants to make sure that our youngest students have all of the ART supplies and materials they need. Did you know that thousands of local children will begin preschool this year? In partnership with the ELC, Kia is helping our local preschools be ready for this year by hosting a Pre-School Supply Drive!

Our preschools need lots of paint, crayons, markers, paper, glue, scissors, and other materials to help our children in their first school experiences! Help us to Cram the Van at Kia and kick of the new school year!

Taking A Vacation? Driving Long-Distances?

Planning on Taking a Road Trip?

With the summer months headed this way, there is going to be a lot of travelers and people on the roads. We want everyone to be as safe as possible and take caution while driving not only short distances but more importantly on those long drives! Here are 10 helpful tips to take into consideration when preparing for a long drive! We want to make sure our Kia family members, along with everyone else arrive safely to their destinations!

10 Helpful Hints for Long Distance Driving:

·         1- Be sure to check your vehicle before leaving:

o   Maintenance check (tires, brakes, engine, wiper blades, signals, lights, oil, etc.)

·         2- Have an emergency kit available:

o   Emergency kit (Car manual, flashlight, extra batteries, reflective triangle (in case you need to pull over), flares, basic tools and a first aid kit.)

·         3- Get a good night rest the night before:

o   Be sure to get a full night sleep, feeling fatigue or drowsy could lead to falling asleep at the wheel.

·         4- All luggage and cargo should be secured:

o   Make sure all luggage is placed and secured tightly, so that it doesn’t move around when having to make a quick stop

·         5- Pack the car with car friendly items:

o   Anything along the lines of blankets, napkins, wet wipes, hands-free cell phone device, trash bags, and medicine.

·         6- Have food available:

o   Take snacks, water, fruit, etc. Be sure not to take anything with too much salt or sugar, it can lead to mood changes or easily make you more tired.

·         7- Be sure to take breaks:

o   Take a break if you feel tired or even just to stretch your legs and walk around to keep circulation flowing. A general rule is to take a break every 2 hours of driving.

·         8- Bring music to listen to:

o   Have your iPod or CD with your favorite music in case the radio stations aren’t playing your favorite kind of music, you need stuff to entertain you!

·         9- Directions/Route

o   Make sure you have a good idea of where you’re headed and the roads you are taking, to avoid getting lost. Give yourself extra time in case you want to stop or visit places along the way. Be sure to check the track and areas you should avoid at certain times.

·         10-Remember to have fun!

o   A road trip should be a fun experience, make it part of the vacation!

Follow these 10 helpful hints, and your next long distance travel should be a successful one! Remember to be safe, keep your eyes on the road, don’t get distracted, and be sure to make it FUN!

Is It Time For an Oil Change?

Reasons Why Getting an Oil Change is Important

1.       It keeps your car in great condition and proper running order

2.       They are relatively inexpensive and is not a monthly procedure

3.       By getting your oil changed on a regular basis, you will not only improve the life of your car’s engine, but you will also allow your car to maximize the horsepower it puts on the road

4.       Not changing your oil often enough can cause significant damage to your engine

5.       By not having enough oil or by using oil that has outlived its usefulness (is filled with dirt or has low viscosity), you run the risk of allowing parts to not work as efficiently as they possibly could.

6.       Not getting an oil change can cause parts of the car to stop working, and the engine could simply stop working or actually explode if enough parts refuse to work.

7.       The number one reason for engine failure is wear and tear that is caused by an increase in viscosity, which means the oil becomes thick and sticky, like mud.

Even though we all like to put off getting an oil change, as you can see it is very important to get one around every 3,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on your manufacturer’s recommendations. Needless to say don’t put off getting an oil change any longer, the life of your car will decrease and you will encounter more expensive problems with other parts of your vehicle.

Come get an oil change today here at Kia Autosport! We will make sure your car is running in proper order, and will get it back to you in no time! Remember, we wanna see ya in a KIA!  

Armed Forces Month: Wounded Warrior Project Donations

Wounded Warrior Project Donations:

April is coming to an end and we are springing into the flowery month of May! May is Armed Forces month, and KIA Autosport will be donating money from every car sold to the Wounded Warrior Project.  WWP is a great service that honors and empowers Wounded Warriors. We are so honored to help and support these service members any way we can.

Wounded Warrior Projects was started up by veterans and friends who were touched by stories of the first wounded service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. They took action and helped those in need of care. WWP started out as something so small and has become such a huge impact on many injured service members through the years. Tens and thousands of Wounded Warriors and caregivers receive support and more through the WWP Programs.

WWP Vision:

·         To foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history.

WWP PURPOSE:

·         To raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members.

·         To help injured service members aid and assist each other.

·         To provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members

WWP CORE VALUES: Each core value is lived out each day at WWP.

·         Fun

·         Integrity

·         Loyalty

·         Innovation

·         Service

We are honored to help support the Wounded Warrior Project during the month of May and would love to have the community get involved as well. If you would like to read more about the Wounded Warrior Project or make a donation today visit their website at http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ . Also check out the Wounded Warrior Project Facebook page for daily updates, as well as KIA Autosport of Tallahassee.

               

Is the Optima Hybrid Right For You?

Why Buy A Hybrid:

Hybrids are becoming more and more popular due to the increase in gas prices. When driving a hybrid you will spend half as much on fuel and will be helping the environment. By having two types of power working together, gasoline and electric, a hybrid can reach higher speeds with less effort and can also use less energy in stop and go traffic. Not only is it better on gas, but you also have to get oil changes less frequently. Hybrid parts and repairs can be pricey, but they offer years of warranty to help out with the major parts that are more expensive.  

KIA Autosport has finally come out with a Hybrid that is sharper than ever. The new 2012 Hybrid Optima; has a sharp design, appealing amenities, competitive price, fuel-efficient, and ready to compete with the other Hybrids. You would be missing out if you didn’t take a look at the Hybrid Optima here at KIA.

Buying a Hybrid is a whole new step for many car shoppers. Before turning down the idea of purchasing a Hybrid make sure you do your research to see how these cars can make your driving experience that much better. Every month the number of Hybrids sold is increasing rapidly. Therefore before you make a decision on a car, be sure to check out the Hybrids. You never know all this talk about Hybrids, could persuade in purchasing one!

Remember, We wanna see ya in KIA!

The Wounded Warrior Project

For the entire month of May, we are commiting $50.00 from every vehicle sold to the Wounded Warrior Project! Make sure to check our facebook for daily facts and quotes from this amazing organization.

Whale of a Sale

We are so excited to announce our partnership with the Tallahassee Junior League. We are one of their proud sponsors for the 2011 Whale of a Sale!

The Whale of a Sale what some may call a garage sale; it features gently used, quality merchandise at prices.We hear that the day of the sale is a sight to see within itself. Outside of the sale will be our first Tent Sale of 2011! We will have tons of cars and our salesteam to help customers out at the sale. The actual sale starts at 8am and goes to 3pm at the former Goody's location in the Tallahassee Mall.



The reason We, at Kia Autosport of Tallahassee, have chosen to sponsor this event is that all the money raised flows back to the community through the Junior Leagues various charities. The Junior League focuses on children and families throughout Tallahassee. From Operation Prom Dress, Fostering Hope, Kids Boutique, and Kids in the Kitchen; we share in The Junior League's dedication to serving a community.

As if the sale, within itself, is not exciting, there is a pre-party THIS Friday from 6-10pm at the same location as Saturday's sale. The tickets to this are $25.00 day of, and the party features food and drinks catered by The University Club of Tallahassee, a live auction, entertainment, and of course view our 2011 Kia Lineup! For tickets and more information please visit www.jltallahassee.org.

Information for both events are posted on our Facebook Page!

Has It Really Been A Year Already?

It is that time again...Launch Party!

We are so excited for our 2011 Launch Party that is happening THIS Thursday at 6pm!

We are hosting Piggy's BBQ, the local radio stations, AND Boyd and Woody Hayes!

There will be FREE dinner, LIVE entertainment, and a chance to WIN some great prices!!

Last but not least, Wolf 103.1 will be raffling off George Strait and Reba McEntire Tickets!

We are so glad to have an amazing inventory on our lot, and we want all of our readers to come down and help us launch our 2011 vehicles!!

Look forward to seeing you all out here; for more information see our facebook page event!

New Paint Job and Fresh Inventory!

Kia Autosport has been busy lately revamping the showroom and getting ready for the busy summer season. With a fresh coat of paint and three new models to choose from, we are ready to do business. Come by and see the new paint job and while your at it, check out the new Soul, Borrego, or all new forte!

The Newest Member of the KIA AutoSport Family.

Little Soul is the newest member of our family here at KIA AutoSport. Little Soul is a hamster with some attitude just like the newest addition to our product line up the all new 2010 KIA Soul.

If you have seen the new KIA ad on television you can understand why we felt compelled to make this addition to our family. Visit the YouTube link on our website to check out the ad if you haven't seen the head bobbing hamsters.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFHCfwF87_o

Little Soul lives in a very stylish habitat in our showroom. In addition to his habitat we also have a hamster track where you will often find him speeding around on in his yellow hamster vehicle for some exercise. You can often find Little Soul speeding around the office in his vehicle.

We invite everyone to visit Little Soul while visiting our dealership. Little Soul will be here like we are 7 days a week!

Kia Autosport Named Time Magazine Florida Dealer of the Year

Local auto dealer earns national honor

Monroe P. Lee, president and owner of Florida AutoSport Inc., the Kia AutoSport dealership in Tallahassee, was honored Tuesday in New Orleans for being nominated for the 2009 Time Magazine Dealer of the Year award. Lee was one of only 49 dealers from around the nation honored at the 92nd annual National Automobile Dealers Association convention and exposition. Given by Time and the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., the award recognizes the country's most successful dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service.

Visit us today at http://www.kiaautosport.com/