Caliber Collision, Allstate donate most valuable car at Hot August Nights

Of the thousands of cars at Hot August Nights this year, the most valuable one might be newly restored 2013 Toyota Camry. But to Erika Macias, a Reno single mother and cancer survivor, it is an invaluable, life-changing gift of transportation.

Macias was presented keys to the refurbished Toyota Camry by Caliber Collision whose teammates at its Carson City location volunteered personal time to repair and restore the vehicle which was provided by Allstate Insurance. At the age of 36, Erika, a hard-working mother of two boys, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She received aggressive treatment that sent her through physical and mental trials. The treatment was also expensive, forcing the family to rent a smaller place to live, limit their spending on essentials, and return their only vehicle back to the dealership.

Erika Macias, center, is surrounded by representatives of Caliber Collision, Allstate and others who contributed to her Recycled Rides vehicle. (Photo by Marcello Rostagni/MRPhotography)

“Hot August Nights, with its backdrop of beautifully restored classic cars, was the ideal venue to present Erika with the gift of transportation to help restore her to the rhythm of her life,” said Todd Dillender, Senior Vice President at Caliber Collision.

Caliber Collision and Allstate partnered on the car donation as part of the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides™ program in which collision industry businesses team up to repair and donate cars to individuals in need.

“Through the years, we have helped many families dealing with tough situations,” said Chad Rhoads, Regional Claims Leader at Allstate. “We are proud to be able to get these families back on the road by providing a means of transportation.”

Erika was nominated for the Recycled Rides vehicle by Moms On The Run, a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to local breast cancer patients undergoing treatment in the Reno community.

The Recycled Rides vehicle presentation is part of an all-day women’s program at Hot August Nights organized and hosted by Teresa Aquila of Teresa’s Garage Radio Show. The day-long program included Women On Wheelz, an all-women’s car show, and a seminar featuring notable women in the automotive and racing arenas.