RICHMOND, Va. (July 29, 2013) - Former new-car dealer Richard Strauss says being involved with the Ambassadors program of the National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation teaches his family a valuable lesson about the importance of supporting community organizations that can be passed down to future generations.

"Having members of my family associated with the Ambassadors program allows them to experience the great feeling of pride that comes from making a meaningful contribution in our community," said Strauss, who plans to name his grandson, Christian Strauss, an Ambassador this year.

To become an Ambassador, a dealer, company, association or individual makes a tax-deductible contribution of $10,000 in their name or in recognition of someone living or deceased. Ambassadors are then eligible to provide $1,500 grants to organizations of their choice every three years in perpetuity.

Strauss, who served as NADA president in 1992, became an Ambassador in 1999. Other Ambassadors in the family include his wife, Lucille Strauss; son, D. Scott Strauss; and daughter, Lisa Strauss. (The title of president changed to chairman in 1998.)

Since 2002, the Strauss family have provided grants from the NADA Foundation to local organizations, which include Meals On Wheels of Greater Richmond, International Hospital for Children, Central Virginia Food Bank, Bright Beginnings YMCA of Greater Richmond, Greater Richmond American Red Cross Chapter and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond.

"This program is a win-win situation," added Strauss, who is also an NADA Foundation trustee. "Your reputation for contributing to the community is enhanced and NADA's charitable endeavors demonstrate that dealers are caring and charitable people."

Donors with three or more gifts of $10,000 to the program are designated Ambassadors of Distinction and can present $2,000 grants every year in perpetuity.

About the Ambassadors Program

Today, there are 639 Ambassadors who provide about $250,000 each year to organizations in the public or private sector, supporting a variety of causes from emergency medical services and education to civic organizations. This year, 215 Ambassadors will present grants to organizations of their choice. For more information or to become an Ambassador, visit the website or contact the NADA Foundation at 703.821.7102 or foundation@nada.org.

About the National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation

The NADA Foundation, established in 1975, is the philanthropic arm of the National Automobile Dealers Association. Funds contributed by new-car and -truck dealers and friends of the industry provide financial support to schools, private colleges and universities, emergency disaster relief and community service programs. For more information, visit www.nada.org/foundation.