Knowledge CenterFebruary 24 2026

Crash Champions Presents Vehicle to Local Woman Through NABC Recycled Rides® Program in Port Charlotte, Florida

PORT CHARLOTTE, FL — Crash Champions, one of the nation’s fastest-growing founder-led providers of high-quality collision repair services, recently partnered with GEICO and the National Auto Body Council® (NABC) to restore and donate a vehicle to a deserving Florida resident as part of the NABC Recycled Rides® program.

The vehicle presentation took place at the 6th Annual Furry Scurry 5K in Port Charlotte, Florida, and the donation was coordinated in partnership with the Southwest Florida German Shepherd Rescue division of The Hoffer Family Foundation.

During the event, Kathleen Flynn Elmes was presented with the keys to a fully restored 2021 Kia Sportage LX, along with a German Shepard service dog. The vehicle was fully restored in time for the presentation, thanks to the volunteer efforts of certified body technicians and painters from Crash Champions’ Fort Myers repair center.

“I’m incredibly grateful and honestly overwhelmed,” said Elmes. “For years, my dogs and I have focused on lifting others up during difficult moments. This gift lifts me up. Having dependable transportation means I can continue volunteering, take on more work, and move forward without constantly worrying about how I’ll get where I need to go.”

Elmes, known as “Kelle,” has spent years giving back to her community through dog therapy work with Stellar K9 and United Therapy Dogs, bringing comfort and companionship to patients in hospitals and residents in nursing homes.

Despite her dedication to serving others, she faced transportation challenges after her vehicle became inoperable, making it difficult to maintain steady employment. With reliable transportation restored, Elmes now has renewed independence and the ability to continue supporting herself while carrying on with her meaningful volunteer work.

Crash Champions remains a committed supporter of the NABC Recycled Rides® program, working alongside insurers and industry partners to help restore and donate vehicles to individuals and families facing transportation challenges across the country.

Since 2021, Crash Champions has restored and donated over 100 vehicles through the program.

“At Crash Champions, our vision is to Champion People in all walks of life,” said Matt Ebert, Founder and CEO of Crash Champions. “Kathleen’s selfless dedication to others is what makes opportunities like this so meaningful. It was an honor for our team to help restore this vehicle and play a role in providing her with the stability she deserves.”