Cars of Hope Celebrates 15 Years of Providing Automobiles in the Western Suburbs

Cars of Hope, a 501 (c)(3) organization, celebrated 15 years of helping people in the Western Suburbs of Chicago receive life-changing automobiles through the donation and refurbishment of cars and the generosity of partner support.

An anniversary celebration was held on October 2, graced by beautiful weather, in the parking lot of the Yellow Box Community Christian Church in Naperville parking lot. The event featured an appearance by Naperville Mayor Scott Wherli, a ribbon-cutting ceremony from the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and exhibits from the organization’s partners. The event was sponsored by Endurance.

Romas Povilonis, founder of Cars of Hope, addressed the crowd and shared the story of the organization’s founding. A self-professed “car geek,” Romas said he felt a “heart tug” when he realized that people in Naperville without cars regularly struggled getting to work and supporting their families.

“I asked friends what we could do about it, and they said if I started something, they would help,” he explained. What started with a few mechanics wanting to give back has evolved into a finely-oiled process that transforms donations into carefully refurbished, safe, and durable cars.

“Last year we received 90 donated cars, but only five were able to be gifted,” he said. “Cars need to be reliable for the single mother driving her children. So we invest a lot in the cars.” Many donations are non-working cars, which Cars of Hope auctions to raise funds to refurbish other cars or purchase used ones. Cars in working condition undergo a thorough process that takes approximately 100 hours of work before keys can be handed over to someone in need. Recipients are referred from an ever-growing list of social service agencies and partners.

“Our goal is to get to 30 cars by 2030. This celebration is part of moving in that direction,” Povilonis said.

Angel Rosa was a client who received a 2010 Toyota Camry from Cars of Hope and told her story at the event. She had prayed for help and said the blessing of Cars of Hope came right on time, helping her to take care of her family, including several ailing family members. “From the very beginning of meeting them, not only did they reach out but….they check on you. They check on your car, they check on you as a person…,” she said. “..I can tell you it changed my life,” she said.

The row of exhibits from partnering organizations was a powerful display of the support that Cars of Hope receives. Generous repair shops, such as Doc Motor Works and 59 Auto Repair were there, along with Discount Tire and Green Machine Towing, who attended with their respective service trucks. Avid supporters such as Ride Assist Naperville and the Big Raise, as well as social service organizations that vet the clients, like Sarah’s Inn and Viator House of Hospitality, also exhibited and greeted others at the celebration.

Cars of Hope’s next event will be a murder mystery fundraiser on November 7 in Wheaton, promising a night of entertainment, bourbon and wine tastings, and an open bar. Registration information is available on here.