ARI, a leading global fleet services provider specializing in complex car and truck fleets, together with its parent company Holman Automotive Group, raised nearly $35,000 to support “Walk Now for Autism Speaks” and the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of Autism Speaks, making the Holman-ARI team the top South Jersey fundraiser for that organization for the fifth year in a row.

“We are proud to support “Walk Now for Autism Speaks” and the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of Autism Speaks,” said Bill Kwelty, Chief Quality Officer for ARI. “So many families are affected by the challenges of autism, and the work that the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of Autism Speaks does helps raise awareness and funding for research, and gives those living with autism and their families a voice. It’s our honor to be able to support such an important organization.”

Holman and ARI have both held several events over the past several months in support of “Walk Now for Autism Speaks” and the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of Autism Speaks. On May 18, Holman and ARI hosted the 2013 South Jersey “Walk Now for Autism Speaks” walk at ARI’s global headquarters in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. Nearly 5,000 individuals from across the region joined Team Holman-ARI for a fun-filled day of music, excitement and speakers. The day also included a several mile walk around the Bishop’s Gate Corporate Center.

Prior to the walk on May 18, ARI encouraged its employees to support the cause and Team Holman-ARI by offering a specially designed team t-shirt and a weeks’ worth of dress down days for a donation of $5. And following the walk in June, Team Holman-ARI hosted a silent auction fundraiser featuring a series of items and prizes donated by employees and management, including a variety of gift certificates to local stores and restaurants, golf outings, tickets to the Phillies and the Eagles, a 32 inch Samsung LED television, and two first class plane tickets to anywhere in the U.S.

Both Holman and ARI have been active participants in the annual Autism Speaks walk for the past six years. In the first year of the team’s participation, Team Holman-ARI was awarded the “Rookie Team of the Year Award” for raising more than $9,000 and placing third out of 210 teams. Team Holman-ARI has earned the top spot for its fundraising efforts every year since.