Single Navy Mom Receives Car

Single Navy Mom to Receive Christmas Gift of a Car

From Local Dealer and its Suppliers and Partners

What? Presentation of Car to Sailor on George HW Bush

When? Tuesday December 20 at 11 am

Where? Bay Kia, 6970 N. Military Highway, Norfolk

         Before she went on deployment aboard the aircraft carrier George HW Bush, LS 3 Lavetta Ryles totaled her car in an accident.  The single mother of two, who returned home to Hampton Roads on December 11, will not be without transportation much longer.

On Tuesday December 20 at 11 am, Bay Kia in Norfolk, along with auto paint supplier Nyquist, representing the AkzoNobel brand, will present Ms. Ryles with a fully reconditioned 2005 Kia Optima LX.  Kia Motors America Inc. donated a new engine, Bay Kia’s Ted Cors performed mechanic work, and Master Painter Tony Pardo repainted the entire car.  Many of Bay’s suppliers generously donated parts, tires and other items for the complete refurbishment.  Representatives from the participating vendors will be on hand for the presentation to Ms. Ryles. She expects to use the car first to retrieve her 13-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son who have been in Ohio with relatives since she went off to sea in May.

“This project brought together a wonderful group of technicians and suppliers who donated their time and products for a service member who really needed some assistance,” says Walter Wilkins, President of Bay Kia.  “I cannot think of a better way to show the character and generosity of working people in our area than by letting them use their skills to perform a good deed.”

Operation Homefront, working with John Panneton, a local U.S.Marine retiree and Past National President of the U.S. Navy League, identified Lavetta Ryles as a worthy recipient. “Making certain families are taken care of in times of deployment is what we do,” says Carol Berg, Executive Director of Operation Homefront.  “The donation of this car will certainly make a difference for her.” Ms. Ryles still owes on the vehicle that was lost and is helping pay for her mother’s cancer treatments. For that reason, Bay Kia has set up an account in Lavetta Ryles’ name at Towne Bank to accept public donations.

The impetus for the donation came through The Benevolence Program, a 12-year long community service endeavor sponsored by AkzoNobel and implemented by collision repair centers that are users of the Sikkens brand refinishing system as well as members of the AkzoNobel Acoat selected program. Its mission is to generate goodwill while improving and promoting the image of the collision repair industry.