MEDIA NOTE: Photos and Video from the NABC Recycled Rides® presentation are available HERE
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL (December 18, 2025) – On Tuesday, December 16, the family of a late Palm Coast, FL military veteran received a life-changing early Christmas gift—the donation of a beautifully refurbished vehicle to aid a recently widowed foster mother as she cares for her family. The donation was made possible by the NABC Recycled Rides® program, vehicle donor Travelers and repair partner Classic Collision.
The presentation took place at the Enterprise rental location in Palm Coast. The recipient was nominated by Seawolf Privateers. Seawolf Privateers is a dedicated local non-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to raising funds to support foster and displaced children in a variety of meaningful ways. From providing engaging events to organizing social activities, they strive to create a sense of belonging and joy for these children during challenging times.
“We are incredibly grateful to have been part of this blessing and to witness this amazing group of people come together for her and her children,” said Cayti Brinegar, co-founder of Seawolf Privateers. “The moment that truly captured the heart of the day was watching the children’s excitement as they opened the trunk and discovered it filled with Christmas gifts. It was as if everyone who came together to make this possible was saying, ‘Frank, we appreciate all you sacrificed, and through this gift, we are helping care for your family.’ Seawolf Privateers will continue to walk alongside Kathy and the children, providing ongoing support and surrounding them with a community that cares deeply.”
A 2019 Lincoln MKX, donated by Travelers and refurbished by the technicians at Classic Collision, was presented to Kathy Panarella. Sheis a recently widowed wife of a military veteran faced with raising her foster children alone. Kathy and her late husband Frank have cared for two young relatives for the past seven years. The children were placed in a tough situation and the Panarellas immediately opened their home to them. During Frank’s military service, he suffered a serious back injury that required multiple surgeries. Tragically, just two months ago, Frank passed away suddenly after coming in from mowing the lawn. Kathy and the children were with him when it happened. His unexpected death has left the family emotionally and financially devastated. Kathy, who is disabled, works from home, when possible, but Frank’s income and Social Security were never finalized. Their home is now in foreclosure, and their only vehicle was repossessed. Without a vehicle, Kathy cannot work consistently or take the children to necessary appointments and activities. She is currently relying on costly Uber rides to get by. Kathy is a loving and dedicated mother figure who is doing everything she can to keep these children safe and cared for. A refurbished vehicle from the NABC Recycled Rides® program will allow her to maintain employment and provide for the children averting yet another traumatic separation.
Travelers, a level one member of the NABC®, has donated more than 85 vehicles to people and organizations in need through NABC Recycled Rides®.
Classic Collision, founded in 1983 in Atlanta, GA, is built on a foundation of quality, integrity, and honesty. With a skilled team and unwavering standards, they deliver exceptional service to their customers and partners. As one of the largest privately held auto body repair providers in the U.S., they operate in over 350 state-of-the-art facilities nationwide. For over 40 years, safety has been their top priority. Their highly trained technicians, cutting-edge equipment, and manufacturer certifications make them a leader in collision repair.
Additional partners in this presentation include: AutoNation, UAGE, LKQ, Copart, Advanced Remarketing Services, and Cars for Charity
NABC Recycled Rides® is a unique program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the NABC Recycled Rides® program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council® have donated more than 3,500 vehicles valued at some $51 million.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL AUTO BODY COUNCIL®
The National Auto Body Council® is the premier organization of collision industry partners dedicated to strategic networking opportunities that positively change lives in the communities we serve. The collaborative membership of the National Auto Body Council® has gifted more than 3,500 vehicles and provided extrication opportunities for some 6,000 First Responders in communities around the country through NABC Recycled Rides® and NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™). That effort equates to a 4:1 ROI in dollar value delivered from NABC® membership dollars.
The NABC Changing and Saving Lives Foundation, a 501c3 organization, is committed to the goal of driving change for veterans, military members, first responders and families in need, while harnessing the power of the collective membership of the collision repair industry to positively impact communities where we live and work. As demand for NABC® programs like NABC Recycled Rides® and NABC F.R.E.E.™ grows, so do the needs for resources to manage these important programs. Being able to pursue grants, gifts and donations allows NABC to expand these programs to serve those in need and help communities where we live and work. For more information, visit www.NationalautoBodyCouncil.org.