Cars Changing Lives Plans May 8 Golf Tournament to Support Transportation for Families in Need

A local nonprofit that helps individuals and families gain reliable transportation is preparing for one of its key fundraising events of the year.

Cars Changing Lives, a Front Royal-based nonprofit, will host a golf tournament on May 8 at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club. Organizers are currently seeking golfers, sponsors, and volunteers to support the event and help raise funds to repair and distribute donated vehicles.

Board member Liz Coffey recently shared how the organization began and how the program continues to grow across the region.

Cars Changing Lives was founded by Bill and Sandy Long, owners of Auto Care Clinic on U.S. Route 522, who began helping people by repairing donated vehicles and giving them to individuals who lacked dependable transportation. What started as a simple act of generosity gradually developed into a structured nonprofit organization serving communities across the Shenandoah Valley.

“It didn’t grow overnight,” Coffey said. “It started slowly, which allowed the program to develop in a thoughtful way.”

Over the years, the organization has distributed more than 80 vehicles to individuals and families who needed transportation to maintain employment, attend medical appointments, and care for their families. The group hopes to reach 100 donated vehicles by 2026.

As the program expanded, a formal board of directors was created along with committees focused on fundraising, marketing, and outreach. Barbara Way now serves as the organization’s director, helping coordinate applications, donations, and community partnerships.

Cars Changing Lives is also registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, allowing supporters to make tax-deductible donations that help sustain the program.

One unique aspect of the initiative is that donated vehicles do not need to be in perfect condition. Many of the cars received require repairs before they can be safely placed with a recipient.

Each vehicle is inspected by technicians who determine what work is needed to make it reliable. Community donations and fundraising efforts help cover those repair costs so the vehicles can be safely returned to the road.

“It’s truly a community effort,” Coffey explained. “There are people donating vehicles, people donating funds to help with repairs, and volunteers helping with events.”

The organization works closely with churches and community organizations throughout the region to identify individuals and families who could benefit from reliable transportation. Applicants go through a review process, and the organization aims to match the right vehicle to the recipient’s needs.

For many people, dependable transportation can mean the difference between maintaining stability and struggling to meet daily responsibilities.

“When you don’t have transportation, it can stop everything,” Coffey said. “Getting to work, getting your children where they need to go, even basic errands can become difficult.”

The nonprofit’s work continues to grow as more people learn about the program and seek assistance. At the same time, the demand for vehicles often exceeds the number of donations available.

Community fundraising events help bridge that gap by providing resources for repairs and program operations.

The May 8 golf tournament at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club will serve as one of several events planned this year to raise funds and expand awareness of the organization’s mission.

Organizers are currently inviting golf teams, local businesses, and community sponsors to participate in the event. Volunteers are also welcome to assist with planning and event-day activities.

“These events are important because they bring the community together around a cause that has very real results,” Coffey said. “You can see the difference it makes in someone’s life.”

More information about registration, sponsorship opportunities, or donating a vehicle can be found at cclvanp.org.

Those interested in supporting the organization can also volunteer their time or help spread the word about the program.

“Being involved behind the scenes and seeing how everything comes together is incredibly rewarding,” Coffey said. “You get to witness how something as simple as a car can truly change someone’s life.”