Wounded Warrior Project

Throughout May, we are honoring our past and current military personnel by donating a portion of all our sales this month to the Wounded Warrior Project. We have partnered with WWP to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members and to help injured service members aid and assist each other.

The Wounded Warrior Project aims to "To foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history" by providing emotional and physical recovery, economic relief, and engagement with other wounded warriors. WWP serves veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound, co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001 and their families.

"I always enjoy meeting other warriors – the connection to my brothers and sisters is like no other - it’s therapeutic and continuously helps me to adapt to civilian life and everyday struggles."
 -WWP event participant

 

The Wounded Warrior Project offers many programs to injured veterans including a Combat Stress Recovery Program, WWP Packs, Project Oddysey, Solider Rides, and a Warriors to Work program, to name a few. WWP invites you to honor and empower Wounded Warriors by becoming a proud supporter.

 

Other oppurtunities to get involved with WWP include:

Learn More About Tough Mudder: Tough Mudder, a 10- to 12-mile obstacle course challenge, proudly supports WWP. To date, Tough Mudder participants have raised more than $5 million in support of the warriors we serve. A team of Wounded Warriors carrying the WWP flag is hosted at each event, so look out for them while climbing the Berlin Walls or running the Mud Mile!

Become A WWP 8K Run Sponsor: You can join us in our efforts to honor and empower Wounded Warriors by taking advantage of sponsorship opportunities for the Wounded Warrior Project 8K Run. There are three runs coming up this fall in Jacksonville, Florida, San Antonio, Texas, and Franklin, Tennessee. Your support as a sponsor of the 2013 Wounded Warrior Project 8K Run will go a long way in helping warriors successfully transition to civilian life.

Share The Mission Online: Become an online advocate for Wounded Warriors by sharing a Facebook post, tweeting a message, or adding an image to your blog or website to show your support.

Thank A Wounded Warrior: Have you ever wanted to send a note to a Wounded Warrior to thank them for their service and sacrifice? You can now send warriors thank you cards through Facebook. Visit our Facebook page, select the card you would like to send and type your message - it’s as easy as that! The WWP Communications team will print the cards and provide them to program staff for distribution at hospitals and during WWP events.

Companies Looking To Give Back: If you’re representing a company looking to give back to WWP, we have a number of opportunities available for you. From payroll deduction to attending one of our annual gala events, we invite you to explore all your options.

Stay Up To Date: Connect with WWP on social media through Facebook and Twitter.

Kia Autosport is so greatful to all of our veterans for serving our country, and the Wounded Warrior Project for supporting their recovery. During the month of May, we are making a donation to the WWP for every car sold. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter, we will be presenting donations and notes to the WWP in Tallahassee later this week.




Last Hope Rescue Dog Wash

Through the month of April we will be celebrating our furry friends! We have partnered with Last Hope Rescue and other local animal rescues to spread the word about the abundance of animals that need loving homes. April 20^th, we will be having a Dog Wash at Kia Autosport. We invite everyone to bring their friendly dogs here for a day of celebrating man’s best friend!

Last Hope Rescue is a non-profit organization determined to place abused and abandoned pets into loving homes.  Areas surrounding Tallahassee are high-kill counties; this means that once the animal shelter hits their maximum they are forced to start euthanizing animals. Last Hope seeks to save these precious, innocent animals.

Last Hope Rescue  is near and dear to Melanie’s heart because she adopted her dog Conner from them! Conner often comes to the office and is loved by everyone who works here.

Ways to get involved:

1.       Donate: old towels and sheets, old dog bowls, your old leashes, collars, and used crates.

 

2.       Monetary donations towards vet bills. http://www.lasthoperescue.org/donate/

 

        3.       Volunteer- http://www.lasthoperescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/LHR-Volunteer- Form.pdf

4.       Foster-  https://www.facebook.com/?sk=h_chr#!/LastHopeRescueFL?fref=ts

5.       Adopt

6.        100 more ways to help- http://www.lasthoperescue.org/volunteer/100-ways-to-help/

Benefits of owning a dog:

1.       Lessen the chance of your kid getting the common cold.

2.       Research shows that dog owners have lower blood pressure and a deduced risk for cardiovascular problems.

3.       Medical college of Virginia found that owning a dog significantly reduces anxiety  

4.       Dogs help with loneliness, particularly with the elderly.

5.       Adults with dogs walk almost twice as much than adults without dogs. Children in homes with dogs are more likely to exercise as well/

-According to ABC News

Fostering a Dog:

Why are Foster Homes Needed?

·         To prevent the shelter from becoming full

·         An animal is recovering from surgery and needs a loving home to look after them.

·         The animal is showing signs of shelter stress.

Last Hope Rescue will provide the foster family with food, toys, a crate, help with transportation, and all the support they could ever need. For more information fill out the volunteer form and send an email to LastHopeRescueFL@gmail.com.

Volunteer form: http://www.lasthoperescue.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/LHR-Volunteer-Form.pdf

The Pyramid Mission

Pyramids Mission
We exist to meet the needs of people
who are developmentally disabled.
We care about the people we serve, our employees, and each other.
We provide uncompromised service.
We believe in what we do.
We make a difference.

Pyramid is an organization located in Tallahassee that is dedicated to enriching the lives of those with severe disabilities. They use art to build excitement and meaning into their disabled student's lives. According to the International Art Therapy Organization, “art therapy encourages self-expression, self-discovery and emotional growth.”  That is exactly what Pyramid is doing; their program fosters an opportunity for students to feel a part of the Tallahassee community.

The  activities in the art program range depending on the students ability and preference. The program offers a variety of involvement from painting to the performing arts. Pyramids' musical group The Pyramid Players perform in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The beautiful artwork created by the students can be seen across the state of Florida and even across state lines.  One is able to purchase paintings, jewelry, and pottery on their website: http://www.pyramidinc.org/gallery.htm. At Kia Autosport we have more than five beautiful paintings displayed in our office and waiting room.

Beyond the arts program Pyramid provides therapeutic repositioning, physical/nutritional and behavioral assistance, peer counseling, sensory integration, social and life-management skills training and a variety of educational classes designed to increase their independence.

Pyramid supplies an abundance of programs to improve the lives of severely disabled community members. Pyramid in a non-profit and has been supported by Medicaid before but it’s not always enough. A primary source of their support is through fundraising, partnerships with the university, and private businesses. Cue Kia Autosport and the Tallahassee community.

Together we can support a group that supports our community.

Throughout the month of March we will donate $50 for every car sold and we will be collecting donations at the dealership. As well March 30^th we will have a Pyramid Party with the students. It will be an eye opening- and awe inspiring experience that we invite you to join. 

“Pyramid’s programs are shaped by an innate belief in the abilities of the people we serve, by a commitment to individualized curricula and a holistic view of our students’ lives.”

Second Harvest of the Big Bend

Most everyone has probably heard of Second Harvest at some point or another. How could you not? They have their giving hands in almost every project relating to food around the country. Just in the Big Bend alone 44,000 people a month are fed because of the efforts of Second Harvest.  Most residents are aware that Second Harvest is a food bank and helps feed the community. However, many do not know the efforts behind the scene and all of the side programs Second Harvest of the Big Bend offers.

In this blog I am going to take go straight to the point with facts and figures of Second Harvest of the Big Bend. If you would like to read more about the nitty and gritty please continue to their website. http://www.fightinghunger.org/

Food Bank Operations-

The food bank operation is the heart and soul of Second Harvest.  They collect, store, and distribute 5.5 million pounds of food annually! First, the food is donated or acquired by Second Harvest. Then the food is distributed to more than 135 partner agencies; these agencies give the food to those directly in need of it.

Brown Bags for Seniors-

This generous program provides grocery items for more than 430 elderly in our community!  The seniors that receive this service are either on a fixed-income or impoverished.

Child Nutrition Program-

1 in 4 children in the Big Bend struggle with hunger daily.  Second Harvest strives to keep working as hard as they can until the day that no child in the Big Bend goes a day without food hungry.  

Backpack Program-

This service provides 350 bags of food weekly to children in school so they will have food for the weekend. This allows the children to worry less about where their next meal will come from and more about staying in school and doing their homework.

 Summer Food Program-

The summer can be a hard time for a child if you don’t know where your next meal is coming from. That is why Second Harvest of the Big Bend supplies 6,216 meals and snack to children in the summer months.

Second Harvest of the Big Bend supplies incredible amounts of food to the counties it services. However, they can’t do it alone! As of right now only 7% of the food comes from food drives. Kia Autosport is determined to drive that number up! This is our community and it’s our turn to give back too.  

 

Throughout the month of February we will be collecting food and monetary donations to be gifted to Second Harvest of the Big Bend! Look out for our Facebook page because we will have weekly specials and promotions benefiting Second Harvest and you! On February 23^rd we will have a BBQ here as one last push to collect the most food possible. At the BBQ we will have contests, prizes, and a big give away!

We can’t do it alone though! Clean out your cabinets and if it’s been there for over a year and you still haven’t eaten it, you probably won’t eat it.  So give it to those in need!  But check the expiration date first J

Christmas at KIA Autosport

Ways to get involved with KIA Autosport this Christmas-

 

Holiday Sharing Tree:

There is nothing like waking up on Christmas morning with a warm blanket protecting you from the cold, the aroma of fresh coffee filling the air, and the soft echo of Christmas music playing in the living room. The anticipation has built so much that hours of sleep were lost wondering what Santa could have brought you this morning. Then finally, you run into the living room to experience the utmost joy of seeing a present underneath the Christmas tree with your name on it.  

The Holiday Giving Tree insures that everyone is able to experience the happiness that comes with opening a present on Christmas. The Holiday Sharing Tree is a program that collects donations/gifts for individuals and families with limited financial resources, developmental and physical disabilities, the elderly, and other disadvantaged persons. The Holiday Sharing Tree was created so that no one was present-less on Christmas; with so many people in need the program thrives on donations from the community. That is why we are a proud sponsor of the Holiday Sharing Tree!

 If you would like to participate, you can come into KIA Autosport and pick up a donation card. On the card will be a couple gift ideas that their parent has suggested or the individual has asked for. The card is simply a suggestion, you are more than welcome to donate whatever gift you would like as long as it is new. Presents are suggested to be approximately a $25 value but a donation of any size is gratefully accepted!  Gifts should then be unwrapped and brought back to the Holiday Sharing Tree to be displayed and eventually collected. Donations will then be distributed to the family so the individual has a present to open on Christmas morning!

Santa Day:

December the 8^th, we will be hosting a Santa Clause day! There will be FREE food, prizes, radio stations and of course SANTA CLAUSE! Everyone is welcome, even the dog, the more the merrier! We will be collecting donations for the Salvation Army throughout the day. As well we will still be handing out cards for the Holiday Sharing Tree and collecting donations towards that as well. It will be a great day to spread holiday cheer within the community, give back, and get a picture with Santa!

Salvation Army:  

We will be ringing the bell every Friday at the Tennessee St Walmart! We would love any donations are Kia family and friends would like to give! As well we will be collecting canned goods at the dealership.

 

KIA Fuel Economy- MPG Information

We are extremely sorry for the errors affecting our valued customers.  Working along-side KIA Corporate we are dedicated to doing everything we can to keep you fully informed so you are easily able to take appropriate actions.

The Issue

KIA Motors America has announced corrections to the fuel economy ratings for approximately 300,000 KIA vehicles. An internal review has concluded that a set of procedural misinterpretations and errors at the joint Hyundai/Kia technical centers led to overstated miles per gallon (MPG) ratings for select vehicles.

How Did This Happen?

In 2009 Kia and Hyundai's joint testing facility created a new team of engineers to improve MPG testing procedures. One of the first things they attempted to do was increase test accuracy and repeatability by creating additional protocols, which complied with EPA guidelines, for Kia engineers to follow in every test to enhance reliability. What we learned from the EPA is that some of those new procedures do not comply with their interpretation and industry practices and led to overstated MPG ratings.

Affected Models

·         The MPG ratings affect a select group of 2011-2013 KIA vehicles.

·         To see if your vehicle is affected go to: https://kiampginfo.com/overview/affected-models

-IF you find your vehicle is affected continue to filing the claim process.

You will need you VIN number to see if your model is affected:

·         VIN stands for vehicle identification number and is a unique 17-character number, containing both numbers and letters, to identify your vehicle.

-Your VIN can be found by looking at the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle. The easiest way to view it is to stand outside the vehicle on the driver's side and look at the corner of the dashboard where it meets the windshield. VINs are also listed on insurance cards/policies and vehicle registration documentation.

Claim Process

KIA is committed to fully reimbursing current and former vehicle owners, that were affected, for the difference in fuel costs associated with miles per gallon (MPG) rating changes. Our top priority is to make things right.

·         Go to https://kiampginfo.com/ to enter your VIN number to see if your vehicle is eligible for reimbursement. (To find VIN number see above)  

·         Currently the function for customers to estimate their fuel reimbursement is unavailable. If an eligible VIN is supplied (step above), you will be asked to provide your contact information so you can be notified when the reimbursement estimator is available.

·         You will receive an acknowledgment email confirming your submission.

·         In a few days you will receive another email notifying that you are able to log back in and estimate your fuel reimbursement.  At this point follow the steps listed below.

Current Owners:

1.       Register your contact information at www.KiaMPGinfo.com

2.       Obtain ownership and mileage verification from authorized KIA dealer

-For telephone assistance contact the KIA Fuel Economy Ratings Adjustment Program Center at 855.912.5648

3.       Once an owner’s claim has been approved following the registration and ownership/mileage verification process, owners will be sent a debit card for the amount of their reimbursement.

IMPORTANT: Current and former owners may register for mileage reimbursement beginning November 2, 2012. Owners must register online to make their first claim by December 1, 2013.

Former Owners

 Former owners who sold their car on or before November 2, 2012 can make a claim by follow these east steps:

1.       Register contact information at www.KiaMPGinfo.com

2.        Provide proof of mileage during their ownership of the vehicle (e.g., purchase and sale documents, odometer disclosure statements, smog certification, repair orders or other documents demonstrating mileage).

-KIA is currently building the process for online submission of these ownership and mileage documents. Former owners who provide an email address will receive notification when the online submission process is available for submission of documents.

-For telephone assistance contact the KIA Fuel Economy Ratings Adjustment Program Center at 855.912.5648

3.      Once an owner’s claim has been approved following the registration and ownership/mileage verification process, owners will be sent a debit card for the amount of their reimbursement.

IMPORTANT: Current and former owners may register for mileage reimbursement beginning November 2, 2012. Owners must register online to make their first claim by December 1, 2013.

Compensation

Mileage Formula- Everything you need to know about how the reimbursement amount is calculated.

Owners will be reimbursed based on:

1.       Mileage accrued by the owner during their ownership period.

2.       2012 average fuel prices for their geographic area as provided by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (http://www.eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel)

         - 2012 average fuel prices will vary by geographic area (e.g., New England area states, Gulf Coast area states, West Coast area states, etc.).

3.       The change in combined (city/hwy) fuel economy estimates for their vehicle.

-Details of the actual fuel economy rating change for each affected vehicle type can be found online at www.KiaMPGinfo.com.

4.       PLUS an additional 15% premium

- Owners will receive a debit card with reimbursement based on the above formula.

Timeframes

1.       Current and former owners may register for mileage reimbursement beginning November 2, 2012. Owners must register online to make their first claim by December 1, 2013.

2.       After the initial reimbursement, current owners are eligible for subsequent reimbursements based upon the actual miles driven thereafter.

- An additional verification of ownership and mileage must be made at an authorized KIA dealer to generate a subsequent incremental reimbursement. Eligibility for a subsequent reimbursement begins at least ninety (90) days following any previous reimbursements and when the reimbursement value reaches at least $25, or when the owner ceases ownership of their vehicle, whichever comes first.

- Former owners may make only one claim per vehicle since their mileage driven has already been defined.

3.       Mileage will not be reimbursed for new owners taking ownership of any of the affected vehicles after November 2, 2012.

4.       Once a customer has registered for the program and visited an authorized Kia dealer for ownership and mileage verification, the reimbursement debit card is expected to be mailed within fifteen (15) business days.

- Owners with questions regarding their reimbursement or the reimbursement process are encouraged to contact the Kia Fuel Economy Ratings Adjustment Program Center at 855.912.5648.

Further Information

 We are extremely apoplectic to any inconvenience the MPG rating has caused you. We hope that our transparent actions and nationwide efforts to fix the problem exemplifies our dedication to our customers.  For any unanswered questions please go to the KIA MPG Information website at https://kiampginfo.com/. This website was specifically developed to help make this process as easy as possible for you.

Customer satisfaction is very important to us, so we want to make sure that you have the latest information about this situation. If you have any questions about your MPG ratings, whether your vehicle is affected and eligible for reimbursement, or need information on how to apply for compensation, please contact the KIA Fuel Economy Ratings Adjustment Program Center at 855.912.5648. For all other matters involving your KIA vehicle, please contact our Kia Consumer Assistance Center at 800-333-4KIA (4542).

For media inquiries, please visit us at www.kiamedia.com or contact Scott McKee at smckee@kiausa.com.

  

Halloween Happiness

Here at KIA Autosport we really get into the holidays! Halloween is one of the most vivacious times of the year. Last week we ordered all our costumes themed as Wizard of Oz and this week we are getting into even more spooky fun with decorations around the office and a chili cook off!

Between costumes, decorations, and great food it is hard to say what the best part of Halloween is but one of the most fun things you can do is pumpkin carving. Pumpkin carving is a tradition that families and friends can pass along to do together.   It is easy to recall memories of going to the pumpkin patch with the family in search of the perfect pumpkin.  It seemed like the utter most important thing in the world that the pumpkin was the best of the best.  The search would consist of looking for the pumpkin with the most luscious color and perfectly plump shape. Once the perfect pumpkin was selected, one would instantly start dreaming and scheming of what was about to be carved into it. The carving process truly brings the families together so the KIA family wants to help your family make the best pumpkins at home as possible and here is how you do it!

Cutting the Pumpkin Top

If you want a unique way to seat yourself apart try cutting a star or a funky shape instead of the usual square.  

1.       Make a circle of dots with a marker on the top of your pumpkin.

2.       From there just start cutting your star points from your imagination.  (This should NEVER be done by anyone less than 15 without adult supervision!!)

3.       Make deep incisions so that you cut through the entire pumpkin top. The top should pop off easily after doing this.

Scooping Out the “Guts” of the Pumpkin

Lay down A LOT of newspaper before you start the scooping and cutting. It will be messy, VERY MESSY.

1.       Take a METAL spoon that won’t bend and start working on the walls of the pumpkin.

2.       Use an amble amount of pressure so that all of the insides are fully scraped out and there are no strings or chunks still in there.

3.       Most importantly make sure the bottom is fully carved and that you leave a nice flat surface for a candle to be able to sit on.

4.       IF you like pumpkin seeds put them into a bowl to clean later. If not, just put them onto the newspaper you laid out and simply wrap them up and remove that layer of paper for an easy clean up!

Drawing on the Design

This is done best with a water-based marker. This way if you don’t cut exactly on the line you can easily wipe off the marks from your pumpkin.

1.       Draw the cut-out so that the holes are large enough to provide proper ventilation for the candle.

2.       Keep in mind that though intricate designs are very cool they aren’t always the easiest to cut out!

3.       HAVE FUN! Draw whatever design that comes to mind and make sure it is something you love!

Carving Out Your Pumpkin

Don’t take it too seriously! It may not come out perfectly but if you had fun doing it then it really is the best of the best!

1.       Start cutting the middle facial features first and slowly move out ward.

2.       If you make a mistake you can reattach the piece by using parts of toothpicks!

3.       When you’re done place a candle in it and enjoy your beautiful creation!

 

When going through the process make sure to embrace the mess and have fun with the kinks! Pumpkin carving is about bring together and enjoying good company!

Pink Bra Campaign

The “Put On Your Pink Bra” campaign started in Florida 2011. It was created to help promote breast cancer awareness.  The pink bras are there to remind women throughout Florida that breast cancer is a disease that could affect all of us.  They represent the support the community brings to them and empowers women to keep fighting.  You can see women sporting their pink bras during Making Strides events. Woman are uniting together to support the fight against breast cancer.  Do your part today by joining the campaign and making your own pink bra!

Saturday, October 6^th, KIA Autosport will be hosting a lunch-in to raise money for breast cancer. Women from the Pink Bra Campaign will be there with their pink bras on! So start decorating yours so you can show your support too! Not sure where to begin or what decorating a bra takes? Check how these helpful tips to get you started!

Tips on Decorating your Pink Bra:

·         Decide on a Theme

Whether you are planning on decorating by yourself or with a group, starting with a theme is a good way to keep your design on track and keep you from going to your craft store a million times.   If you are having a hard time thinking of a theme try imagining the materials you want to use. Sometimes they are a great source of inspiration!

 

Potential Materials:

1.       Jewels- You could never have too much bling!

2.       Bright Lace

3.       Any type of fringe or tassel

4.       Sequins- Fabric made of sequins makes applying them easier!

5.       Glitter

6.       Ribbon

7.       Paint

8.       Feathers

·         Essential Equipment:

1.       Hot water dye.  If you find a pink bra to start off with you won’t need this step but if you couldn’t find a pink bra as a base you will need to buy a white bra and then dye it!

2.       Small glue gun

3.       Fabric glue

4.       Needles and Thread

·         General Tips:

1.       ALWAYS wash your bra before decorating it.

2.       NEVER decorate under the arms- I could cause a serious rash and irritation.

3.       While decorating your bra, particularly the back, keep in mind of the elastic. If you decorate it too much the bra might not be able to stretch and fit!

4.       ALWAYS adjust your straps before you start decorating, that way you’ll know it will fit when you’re all done!

5.       While sewing on decorations, be careful of getting decorations on the inside of the bra.  Little strings and what not could end up being uncomfortable.

6.       Try to do at least one training walk in your bra or at least wear it around the house to ensure it is comfy enough!

7.       HAVE FUN WITH IT!

 

If you do not have time to decorate your own bra try doing it online! Bedazzle a bra online and send it to friends and family everywhere, to make sure they are giving themselves at home breast exams!

http://www.facebook.com/putonyourpinkbra/app_100845500021473

For more information about the Pink Bra campaign and stories go to: http://www.putonyourpinkbra.com/survivor_stories.php?id=3