For as long as they’ve been in business, Ward’s Auto Painting and Bodyworks has demonstrated a firm commitment to community stewardship. The 16-year-old company, which boasts seven locations around Coastal Georgia and North Florida, supports countless philanthropies, such as animal safety and adoption initiatives, Rotary International, and efforts to assist the families of fallen first responders. However, recently owner Robbie Ward responded to a request to support Walk MS: Savannah, an affiliate fundraiser to benefit the National MS Society by organizing a charity raffle to raise money for the Walk.

Recently, Ward presented a donation of $1,000 to Virginia J. Morrison, Co-Coordinator of the Savannah Walk MS Planning Team at their Chatham Parkway location.  Morrison said “Your generous donation is a blessing and your support and thoughtfulness will definitely help to create a world free of Multiple Sclerosis and hope for the future for those battling with this disease. Thanks for committing your resources to 2016 Walk MS.”

$400 of the proceeds were raised by selling raffle tickets with an additional $600 generously donated by Ward’s Auto Painting and Bodyworks, The prize, four NASCAR tickets to the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway, appealed to many people.  Ward’s first began selling the $5 raffle tickets at their Statesboro shop’s April 30 Open House, which also featured free lunch and an on-site exhibit of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Axalta #88 Chevrolet SS. Sales continued for the following week, and the drawing itself was held during Walk MS: Savannah 2016 on Saturday, May 7 at Daffin Park.

The lucky winner, Amanda Burnsed of Claxton, was drawn by Ward’s wife, Lisa Ward. The NASCAR tickets, valued at $500, were donated by Axalta Coating Systems and FinishMaster Automotive & Industrial Paint.

“We are so happy to be able to contribute to such a worthy cause and offer support to the brave men and women who are working towards a goal of a world free of MS – we want to do it,” Ward said.