Caliber refurbishes vehicle donation for high school graduate

May 29, 2012—Caliber Collision Centers recently refurbished a 2003 Kia Optima that was donated to a high school graduate in Tucson, Ariz.

The vehicle donation was made through Project Graduation, a national program designed to promote drug and alcohol free graduation nights and keep high school graduates off the roads through a fun, nightlong event, Caliber said.

Matthew Tyrrell, a 2012 graduate of Ironwood High School in Tucson, Ariz., received the vehicle after being the grand prize winner in a drawing held after the school’s graduation ceremony.

Caliber said the vehicle was purchased with donations from community members and parents of students. Several local businesses also donated services to refurbish the vehicle, including Dent Solutions, Big O Tires, Lefty’s Custom Striping, Mercado Del Rio Car Wash and The Specialist.

Joyce Contrades, chair of Project Graduation, said 95 percent of the school’s senior class participated in the event. “Its success has everything to do with the grand prize car giveaway, which would not have been possible without the generous contributions of Caliber Collision and other local businesses,” she said.

“We congratulate the parent volunteers and local business community for their tireless efforts and support to make Project Graduation such a big success,” said Patrick O’Neill, vice president of operations in Arizona and Nevada for Caliber. “It is very rewarding to again be part of this important program to keep our kids safe.”

Caliber said its Tucson, Ariz., location has sponsored Project Graduation since the program’s inception in 2004.