The National Auto Body Council (NABC), along with GEICO, Allstate, Farmers, Travelers, USAA, Nationwide and Enterprise and repair partners Caliber, Crash Champions, Gerber Collision & Glass, Classic Collision, Fix Auto USA, Updated Auto Body and Universal Motor Cars, donated refurbished vehicles to seven deserving Las Vegas area veterans, individuals and families in need during the 2025 SEMA Show. The donation was made through the NABC’s Recycled Rides program.
The presentation took place during the automotive industry’s biggest convention week on the rooftop of the Renaissance Hotel parking facility overlooking the Las Vegas Convention Center. The seven deserving recipients were selected by local charitable organizations U.S. VETS Initiative, Nevada Paralyzed Veterans of America, Family Promise of Las Vegas, Hopelink of Southern Nevada and Ayden’s Army of Angels.
“What a great day to bring all our industry partners together to give back during the SEMA show,” said Tom Wolf, chairman of the NABC. “Collectively, we are able to provide reliable transportation to seven Las Vegas families, helping them get to school, to work and to continue their path to independence. Thank you to all of our members who made this possible and congratulations to all of our deserving recipients.”
Darjae Lucky received a 2021 Mazda CX5 donated by Travelers and refurbished by Classic Collison. Lucky is a devoted mother of two small children who has faced unimaginable challenges with unwavering hope. She and her children were without a home, navigating the harsh reality of homelessness while trying to maintain stability in their lives. Through every setback, Lucky never lost sight of her dreams or her dignity. She is currently employed and doing everything she can to provide for her family. This car will not just be a set of keys, it will be a turning point in the life of a resilient mother who continues to rise, for herself and for her children.
“Me and my kids just got a 2019 Mazda, and I am loving it,” said Lucky. “This is going to be an awesome vehicle for me and my kids. We will be able to get from point A to point B with no problems. We just want to thank everyone involved”
Rachida Tucker received a 2023 Honda Pilot, donated by Allstate and refurbished by Caliber Collision. Tucker is a caring mother of two children, including an adult son with disabilities. Even through her own battle with cancer, she has supported her mother and father in their own health issues. Her vehicle was stolen while she was undergoing chemotherapy. Soon after her mother passed away, her father was also diagnosed with cancer. This refurbished vehicle will allow her to continue caring for herself and her father and help to alleviate the stressors that go with not having a reliable vehicle.
William Hussey received a 2021 Honda CRV, donated by Nationwide and refurbished by Universal Motor Cars. While living in Hawaii, his apartment was being sold, leaving he and his wife homeless for several months during the summer of 2024. William and his family moved to Utah, seeking employment and housing with the promise of full-time jobs at a hotel, but instead he was offered only part-time hours, barely enough to cover basic expenses. With a lack of social services, they packed up and moved to Las Vegas. Hussey’s family faced the possibility of living in a park or shelter. Family Promise stepped in and immediately provided a temporary home. Hussey is working three jobs, and the long hours spent on public transportation made it incredibly difficult. This vehicle will ease his burden significantly, allowing Hussey to focus more on my work and less on the exhausting daily commute, and allow him to be present for his daughters’ milestones.
Misty Rabka received a 2019 Hyundai Sonata SE, donated by GEICO and refurbished by Crash Champions. Rabka served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1981-1988. Since her vehicle was stolen in January, she has faced significant challenges in accessing essential services, including regular medical appointments to the VA. This refurbished vehicle from the Recycled Rides program will not only alleviate the stress of getting to medical appointments but also empower her to regain employment and financial independence.
Kimberly Bernstorff, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, received a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe donated by USAA and refurbished by Updated Auto Body. Before receiving the car, she had relied on public transportation to get to appointments at the VA hospital following an automobile accident in 2002 that left her in a coma with severe injuries. Using public transportation required her to leave her home two hours early to ensure she arrives on time. The long commute was not only exhausting but also stressful. This refurbished vehicle will significantly enhance Bernstorff’s ability to manage her healthcare needs, alleviate the stressful commute and improve the overall quality of her life.
Zuleaka Ellis received a 2019 Honda Accord donated by Farmers and refurbished by Gerber Collision. She currently holds two jobs and picks up side jobs to make ends meet. Ellis was doing everything possible to create a fresh start, but without a car, her ability to grow and access opportunities were limited. A refurbished vehicle from Recycled Rides will mean more than just having access to transportation — it will restore her independence, open doors to greater stability and honor the strength her mother always saw in her.
Mary Love, a devoted mother of two teenage children, received a 2023 Nissan Altima donated by Enterprise and refurbished by Fix Auto Las Vegas East. Before receiving the vehicle, she had been renting a car for hundreds of dollars a week to earn money as a rideshare driver. Owning a car will allow Love to make more money from her ridesharing job and have the time to pursue permanent job opportunities. She is an incredibly hard worker and very motivated to provide for her family, so this opportunity will be an incredible blessing in her life.
“I love my new car, I’m so appreciative and want to thank the NABC, all the donors, and collision and auto repair shops who donated and fixed up the cars for us,” said Love. “I’m really grateful and appreciate it.”
For more information on Recycled Rides, click here.
