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(Source Dallas Morning News) Cars for Kids proudly sponsors transformational symposium at Texans Can Academy – Pleasant Grove
At Cars for Kids, we believe every student deserves a second chance—and sometimes, all it takes is the right moment, the right mentor, and the right message to unlock their full potential. That belief was brought to life in an incredible way at the “Walking Into Your Future” Symposium for Young Women, hosted at Texans Can Academy – Pleasant Grove and recently featured in the Dallas Morning News.
This first-of-its-kind event, a partnership between Texans Can Academies, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Alpha Xi Omega Chapter, and Cars for Kids, welcomed over 200 young women to a powerful, purpose-driven experience designed to prepare them for life after high school.
From career planning and financial literacy to mindset coaching and self-love, students took part in hands-on workshops that offered tangible skills and emotional encouragement. Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to hear from women leaders in a variety of fields and gain insight into the many pathways available to them.
“Two years ago, we started dreaming about doing something great for our girls,” said Tina Shaw, Principal of Texans Can Academy – Pleasant Grove. “This symposium was our way of building that dream—providing not just resources, but real inspiration.”
The four-hour event kicked off with motivational remarks, followed by keynote speaker Rocky “Rock-T” Turner, and a rotation of breakout sessions focused on topics like college readiness, resume writing, entrepreneurship, and mental wellness. One standout moment: during the entrepreneurship session, each girl received $20 to open a bank account at the on-site Financial Literacy Bus—just one of many ways the day prioritized both confidence and capability.
As a proud sponsor, Cars for Kids provided every participant with a backpack filled with essential hygiene items, part of our broader commitment to ensuring students have what they need both inside and outside the classroom.
“When they came to us with the idea for this event, we were all in,” said Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, CEO of Cars for Kids. “These girls are fighting for their futures, and we want to be part of applauding that courage and equipping them with tools to succeed.”
Many of the students who attended come from underserved neighborhoods and are considered at risk for not graduating. Events like this symposium help level the playing field by opening doors to mentorship, exposure, and hope.
One 16-year-old senior, Lorena Delores, said it best:
“I think it’s important for girls to have access to programs like this because they learn so many new things. I learned what I need to do to become a real estate agent.”
We believe in driving change—one student at a time. And thanks to the power of community collaboration, mentorship, and mission-driven giving, these young women are now one step closer to their dreams.
📞 To support more opportunities like this, donate your vehicle today:
866-835-5437
🌐 Learn more at: www.carsforkids.org/social
We’re thrilled to announce the first-ever Cars for Kids Charity Car Show, a high-energy, family-friendly event where automotive passion meets purpose. Mark your calendars and get ready to show off your ride or come admire some of the best in the community—all while supporting a great cause.
Date: June 28, 2025
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm CST
Location: Cars for Kids Headquarters at 7100 Marvin D. Love Fwy., Dallas, TX 75237
Whether you’re rolling up in a classic muscle car, a sleek sports car, a custom build, or even a vintage motorcycle—we welcome all makes, models, and years to be part of this exciting event.
The Cars for Kids Charity Car Show will feature:
Registration is now open for car owners who want to participate!
We offer several levels of sponsorship, each providing great visibility and recognition at the event.
Contact us at advertising@carsforkids.org
See you there!
#CarsForKids #CharityCarShow #DriveForACause #ShowAndShine #NonprofitEvents #CommunityDriven
In a recent feature with Bizwomen and the Dallas Business Journal, Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, CEO of Cars for Kids, shared her thoughts on navigating leadership in the nonprofit world during turbulent times. With a career rooted in servant leadership and experience leading major organizations like the American Red Cross of North Texas and Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, Cheryl brings a wealth of knowledge to her role at Cars for Kids—a Texas-based nonprofit supporting high-risk students through Texans Can Academies.
Cheryl’s passion for mission-driven work stems from her early exposure to Robert Greenleaf’s servant leadership philosophy, which helped her align her personal values—like empathy, humility, and active listening—with a greater purpose. That alignment has guided her through some of the nonprofit world’s biggest challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturns that have tightened donor wallets.
She emphasized that these challenges only make the mission more urgent. At Texans Can Academies, some campuses serve students facing homelessness, hunger, and other obstacles to graduation. Cars for Kids helps fill those gaps—not only through vehicle donation proceeds, but by enabling a wraparound approach to education that includes school supplies, basic needs, and job-readiness programs.
With the threat of an economic contraction looming, Cheryl offered practical advice for nonprofit leaders:
Cheryl also encourages nonprofits to get creative with revenue streams. At Cars for Kids, that means exploring partnerships, renting out unused space, and even helping other nonprofits set up their own vehicle donation programs through collaboration.
Finally, she underlined the evolving role of social media and AI in modern fundraising. Quick, compelling stories—like highlighting a student’s upcoming graduation—can inspire donations in ways traditional methods can’t. And with AI, campaigns can be launched faster and more efficiently.
Her biggest takeaway from years of leading through uncertainty? Empower your team. Transparency and inclusion in decision-making foster ownership and lead to smart, cost-saving solutions. And most importantly, good leadership means staying connected—to your people, your donors, your peers, and the mission you serve.
At Cars for Kids, we’re proud to have Cheryl at the wheel—guiding us with clarity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to driving change.
(Source Dallas Business Journal)
Donating your old car, truck, boat, or RV to Cars for Kids is not only a great way to support education for at-risk students, but it may also provide valuable tax benefits. If you donated a vehicle in 2024, you may be eligible for a charitable tax deduction when filing your federal taxes.
However, understanding how to claim your deduction can feel overwhelming, so we’ve created this simple guide to help you navigate the process.
To claim a tax deduction for your vehicle donation, the donation must be made to a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization like Cars for Kids. You can verify an organization’s tax-exempt status using the IRS’s Tax-Exempt Organization Search.
The IRS determines your deduction based on how the charity uses your donated vehicle:
To claim the deduction, you’ll need:
For more details, visit the IRS website.
When filing your 2024 tax return, include your charitable deduction on Schedule A (Itemized Deductions) of your Form 1040. If your deduction is greater than $500, Form 8283 must also be completed and attached to your tax return.
Reminder: You must itemize your deductions to claim your vehicle donation. If you take the standard deduction, you cannot claim the donation separately.
Every tax situation is different, and while donating a vehicle can be a great tax benefit, it’s always best to consult a certified tax professional to ensure you’re maximizing your deduction properly.
By donating your vehicle to Cars for Kids, you’re helping students earn their high school diplomas and build a brighter future. Plus, we make the donation process easy by offering:
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax advice. Please consult a licensed tax professional or visit the IRS website for official tax guidelines.
(Source: Entrepreneur) At Cars for Kids, we are thrilled to announce that our CEO, Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, has been highlighted in Entrepreneur Magazine's article, “How Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs Are Changing the World.” This recognition is a testament to the transformative work our organization is doing to create a brighter future for students across America.
The Power of Purpose
The article sheds light on how purpose-driven leaders like Cheryl are reshaping industries by prioritizing meaningful change over profit. At Cars for Kids, our mission revolves around helping at-risk youth achieve their dreams by supporting Texans Can Academies and other educational initiatives. Every vehicle donation makes a difference, and 100% of our net proceeds go directly toward funding education and mental health programs that uplift students and help them build a better future.
Driving Change Through Simple Acts of Kindness
One of the key takeaways from the article is the seamless process that allows donors to make a significant impact. By donating cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, or boats, individuals help us fund programs that provide critical support to students, including mental health resources, tutoring, and career readiness programs. As Cheryl shared in the feature, “A single donation can ripple outward, creating life-changing opportunities for countless students.”
Making Every Donation Count
We are incredibly proud to share that the funds raised from vehicle donations stay within the United States, helping Americans from all walks of life regardless of affiliation or background. This ensures that every dollar contributes to building stronger communities and brighter futures for those who need it most.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We are honored to have Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones and Cars for Kids recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine. As we continue to drive positive change, we invite you to join our mission by donating your vehicle or supporting our initiatives. Together, we can make a lasting difference.
To read the full article and learn more about the impact of purpose-driven leadership, click here.
Thank you for helping us drive brighter futures—one car at a time. 🚗✨
#PurposeDrivenLeadership #CarsForKids #Entrepreneurship #MakingADifference
Cars for Kids is thrilled to share some exciting news this holiday season! The world-renowned Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) made an incredibly generous donation of $8,809 to Cars for Kids. This amazing gift is part of TSO’s ongoing commitment to giving back to local communities during their concert tours.
For every ticket sold during TSO’s performances in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, $1 was donated to a local charity, and we are honored to have been selected as the recipient this year. This incredible contribution will go directly to supporting the students at Texans Can Academies, a network of charter schools dedicated to helping at-risk youth earn their high school diplomas and build brighter futures.
At Cars for Kids, we understand the challenges many students face in traditional school settings, which is why every vehicle donation we receive helps fund the programs and resources Texans Can Academies provides. Thanks to TSO’s donation, more students will have access to the tools they need to succeed, such as counseling, tutoring, career readiness programs, and more.
We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and iHeartMedia for their unwavering support. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on the lives of students who need it most. Together, we’re creating brighter futures and opportunities for success!
If you’re inspired to join this mission, consider donating your car to Cars for Kids. With free towing, a tax deduction, and the knowledge that you’re helping students thrive, your contribution can make a big difference.
Let’s keep the spirit of giving alive this holiday season! Thank you, TSO, for being a shining example of how music and generosity can truly change lives.
Are you ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a luxury vehicle while making a positive impact in your community? This Saturday, Cars for Kids is thrilled to feature a truly special car in our auction lineup: a 2008 Maserati GranTurismo with just 32,000 miles. This incredible luxury coupe, in clean and pristine condition, is a rare gem that you don’t want to miss.
The Maserati GranTurismo is synonymous with elegance, performance, and sophistication. With a powerful V8 engine, Italian craftsmanship, and sleek design, this vehicle offers an unmatched driving experience. Whether you’ve always dreamed of owning a Maserati or are looking for your next head-turner, this is your chance to bid on a high-end car at an amazing value. Opportunities like this don't come around often!
Our auctions aren't just about great deals—they’re about making a difference. When you bid on a car through Cars for Kids, you’re directly supporting students at Texans Can Academies. The funds raised help provide at-risk youth with resources like tutoring, counseling, and career training, giving them the tools they need to graduate high school and build a brighter future.
Auction Details:
This is your chance to drive away in luxury while contributing to a worthy cause. So, mark your calendars, check out the details on our website, and join us this Saturday.
Don’t let this Maserati slip through your fingers—it could be yours by the end of the weekend! Visit www.carsforkids.org/auction to learn more about this event and browse our auction inventory.
Write off the car, not the kid! Together, we can help local students achieve their dreams. Let’s drive change!
This holiday season, Cars for Kids had the incredible opportunity to partner with Project Love Love to bring joy and support to the children of young parents attending Texans Can Academies. On December 17th, 2024, we gathered at Texans Can Academies – Pleasant Grove and Oak Cliff for a special gift distribution event that truly captured the spirit of the season.
The event provided holiday gifts to students and their families, ensuring they felt the love and support of their community during this festive time of year. The smiles, laughter, and gratitude shared were reminders of the importance of giving and coming together as a community to create positive change.
Project Love Love, a Fort Worth-based nonprofit, focuses on showing kindness and compassion to those in need across Dallas and Tarrant Counties. Their mission includes:
“Love Love is about faith, hope, and sharing kindness with our communities,” said a spokesperson for the organization. “Partnering with Cars for Kids allows us to amplify our impact, especially during the holidays.”
At Cars for Kids, our mission has always been to turn vehicle donations into educational opportunities for at-risk youth through Texans Can Academies. By helping students earn their high school diplomas, we empower them to build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
“We are thrilled to partner with Project Love Love for this special holiday initiative,” said our CEO. “Seeing the joy and gratitude on the faces of these families makes everything we do worthwhile. Together, we’re spreading love, hope, and opportunity.”
The holidays can be a challenging time for many families, especially young parents balancing school, work, and childcare. Events like this not only provide material support but also send a powerful message of encouragement: They are not alone.
At Cars for Kids, we believe that every act of kindness—whether through donating a vehicle, volunteering time, or supporting meaningful partnerships like this one—creates ripple effects that change lives.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Project Love Love for their dedication and partnership. Their work, alongside our mission, is making a real difference in the lives of Texans Can Academies students and their families.
Join Us in Driving Change
If you’d like to be part of the impact and help more students achieve their dreams, consider donating your car, truck, boat, or RV. Together, we can build brighter futures for kids in our community.
Learn more at carsforkids.org.
Thank you for supporting our mission and spreading love this holiday season.
Please take note of our Holiday Office Hours and Auction Updates:
Holiday Office Hours
Payments for the 12/21 Auction
We will be accepting payments ONLY on:
Important: Any vehicles not paid for by 3 PM on Monday, December 23rd, will be considered a walk and deposited as forfeited.
Consignment Update
We will NOT be accepting new consignments during the weeks of Christmas and New Year's (12/23 - 01/03). Consignments will resume starting January 6th, 2024.
Thank you for your understanding and support. Happy Holidays!
— Cars for Kids Auction Team
Spectrum 1 News - Austin Texas
WFAA - Colin Weatherwax & D'Karington
Donate on North Texas Giving Day
Trans-Siberian Orchestra & iHeart Radio
Spectrum News 1 Texas
Gavin Dawson and daughter Abby
Miles in The Morning's Mom
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Benefits from donation
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