NAFA Raises Over $8,000 for Victims of Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey

PRINCETON, NJ, November 29, 2012 (Press-News.org) When NAFA's Executive Director, Phillip E. Russo, CAE, first saw the images of destruction from Hurricane Sandy on the news, he knew the Association had to help. The storm not only affected fleets, but showed the value of fleet managers during natural disasters. As the storm raged on throughout the area, municipal and state fleet managers were instrumental in the recovery efforts. From the equipment used to push sand back towards the shoreline to the emergency vehicles which helped saved lives, the value that fleet managers provide to our communities was more than apparent, it was real.

In the days that followed, NAFA began accepting donations for relief efforts. Donation offers quickly poured in from coast to coast. Between NAFA's own contribution of $3,200 (one hundred dollars for each of NAFA's 32 chapters), contributions from NAFA chapters, and those from industry partners, a total of $8,300 was raised.

"There are moments, such as during a hurricane, when fleet managers are forced to head into the phone booth and turn into Superman," said Russo. "Whether it's having the right vehicles for rescue efforts or making sure their vehicles are safe, fleet managers are the unsung heroes in moments like these. Businesses and rescue squads can't afford to be waiting in line for fuel during emergencies; it's up to the fleet manager to ensure they are prepared for whatever crisis comes their way."

The response from NAFA chapters and industry friends was overwhelming. Two NAFA Chapters (Ontario Chapter and Wisconsin Chapter) along with the Florida Association of Governmental Fleet Administrators (FLAGFA) contributed $1,000; three chapters (St. Louis Gateway Chapter, Western Canada Chapter, and The Mid-West Chapter) pledged $500; NAFA's South Central Chapter contributed $300; and three additional chapters (Puget Sound Chapter, Sunshine State Chapter, and New Jersey Chapter) provided $100 each. To top it off, Naylor, LLC. (a partner of NAFA's for the Association's magazine and annual conference) pledged an additional $500.

"Between the expertise fleet managers showed during the crisis and the way they contributed to relief efforts, I couldn't be more proud of this industry and our Members," continued Russo. "New Jersey is our home base of operations and many staff members witnessed severe destruction in their hometowns. As we prepare for our annual conference in Atlantic City next April, we hope our contributions and continued support for the area will play a role in the recovery."

The money raised by NAFA has been distributed to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund and the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, with special instructions that the funds are to be used solely for hurricane victims.

NAFA is the world's premier non-profit association for professionals who manage fleets of sedans, public safety vehicles, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for organizations across the globe. NAFA is the association for the diverse vehicle fleet management profession regardless of organizational type, geographic location or fleet composition. NAFA's Full and Associate Members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance and repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 3.5 million vehicles including in excess of 1.1 million trucks of which 350 thousand are medium- and heavy-duty trucks. For more information visit http://www.nafa.org