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Letter to the Editor

911 Collision Center Makes Project Graduation Succeed

Mary Snider, Project Graduation chair, attributes the success to the overwhelming support of community and local business. “We received financial support and services from businesses throughout the community.” Snider adds, “The bottom line to kids was fun and they wanted a chance to win a beautiful car. Parents were happy that their graduates would be safe on what is traditionally a very dangerous night for teens.”

A Tucson car dealer donated a 1999 Nissan Sentra, to be awarded via a drawing the morning following the celebration, to a lucky student who remained at the party through the night.

“We completely appreciated the generosity of the donation, but we noticed quite a few dings,” says Snider. “We contacted 911 Collision Centers to ask for their help.”

“We have always felt community involvement was our responsibility too,” says Michael Quinn, co-owner of 911 Collision Centers. “When I was approached, I realized the opportunity that Mary was creating for our community, to keep kids safe on one of the most dangerous nights. We had to participate. Once we examined the vehicle, we found there were over 60 dings and small dents. We repaired all the damages and then applied a custom paint job and graphics on the vehicle and customized the interior as well. We also contacted some of our vendor friends and were able to get new wheels and window tinting and a state-of-the-art sound system donated,” added Quinn. “Our employees volunteered their time to work on the car. It became a pet project for everyone. I am so proud of our staff, reaching out and helping others. That’s part of our culture.”

Mary Snider said, “The kids were so excited; they checked the 911 Collision Centers website (www.911Collision.com) to watch the progress of ‘their’ vehicle on a daily basis. When we picked up the car, we couldn’t believe it was the same car.”

Snider added, “The chance of winning a car wasn’t the only reason the students participated. In my opinion the car was the catalyst for them to realize to what lengths their community would go to keep them safe.”

Quinn concludeded: “We were grateful to be involved in Project Graduation; I even had the honor of pulling the winning ticket. All the students were so excited.”

Project Graduation was developed over twenty years ago by the U.S. Department of Transportation and a National Grad Night Network to provide graduates a safe alternative to celebrations that have usually included alcohol resulting in accidents and loss of life. The program has proven successful in cities across the country. In communities where the program has become the traditional celebration, attendance has exceeded 80 percent of the graduating senior classes.

For more information visit the Project Graduation website

Founded in 1998 by owner/operators Michael Quinn and Patrick O’Neill, 911 Collision Centers operates five Tucson locations. 911 Collision Centers is the past recipient of the National Autobody Council (NABC) “Pride Award” for their commitment to charitable work. It has also received the Better Business Bureaus “Ethics in Business” award for ethical business standards and the AAA (Autoclub) “Top Shop” awards for service and repair excellence.

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