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NORTH BERGEN, N.J. — September 10, 2026 — On the morning of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Midas orchestrated the largest single-day vehicle giveaway in its Project Spark history. Nine franchisees, representing stores across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, gathered at Waterside Restaurant to hand over refurbished cars to 11 recipients — many of whom have direct personal connections to the 2001 attacks.
“This donation is about more than cars — it’s about honoring the resilience of 9/11 families and first responders,” said Lenny Valentino, Jr., President and COO of Midas International. “Project Spark was created to remove transportation barriers, and today we’re reminded how a reliable vehicle can change a life, especially for those who carry the legacy of service.”
Since its launch in 2018, Project Spark has delivered hundreds of refurbished vehicles across the U.S. and Canada to veterans, first responders, and families struggling with unreliable transportation. A University of Michigan study found that nearly one in five U.S. adults lacks access to reliable transportation — a form of material hardship that often traps people in cycles of limited employment and educational opportunities. Midas launched the initiative to close that gap.
Recipients with deep 9/11 roots
One recipient, Brian Ellerson, is a college student whose grandfather was a firefighter at the World Trade Center on 9/11. “Project Spark gives me freedom, independence, and a path to keep moving forward,” Ellerson said. “I worked hard to get my driver’s license and start college. Now I can actually get to class reliably.”
Other recipients included Jaleesa Olson, a single mother of two; Tabatha Foster, a nurse who became an NYPD officer after 9/11 and now raises three children alone; William Heerema, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and volunteer firefighter; and Dominick Vallo, a retired Jersey City firefighter who responded to Ground Zero on 9/11.
The full list of recipients spanned firefighters, police dispatchers, public advocates for fallen officers, and families whose loved ones served on 9/11. Midas worked with three partner organizations to identify the recipients: First Responders Children’s Foundation, Voices Center for Resilience, and New Jersey State Firefighter’s Association.
“Twenty-five years later, we remain committed to supporting first responder families,” said Jillian Crane, President and CEO of First Responders Children’s Foundation. “Reliable transportation isn’t just about mobility — it means getting to school, work, and medical appointments with peace of mind. Midas and Project Spark are removing a daily stressor so these families can focus on their futures.”
Franchisee collaboration at record scale
The nine participating franchisees collectively own and operate more than 280 Midas stores in the region. They contributed labor, parts, and expertise to refurbish each donated vehicle. The group included:
“When Midas approached us about Project Spark, we immediately saw an opportunity to help New Jersey firefighters in need of affordable transportation,” said Joseph Hankins, Vice President of New Jersey State Firefighter’s Association. “Our mission is to provide financial assistance in times of crisis — this partnership extends that support in a durable, everyday way.”
How the vehicles are prepared
Midas partners with Advance Auto Parts and NAPA Auto Parts for parts, and sources donated vehicles through 1-800-Charity Cars and other charities. Mavis Tire supplies new tires. Franchisees and their teams donate all labor — from inspections and oil changes to major repairs — to ensure each vehicle is safe and reliable.
This model allows Midas to apply its core expertise — fixing cars — directly to community needs. The company has long emphasized transparency and service through its “Golden Guarantees,” including the Limited Lifetime Tire Guarantee™ and Closer Look Vehicle Check™.
Looking ahead: Midas’s broader community commitment
Midas operates nearly 1,200 locations in the U.S. and Canada, part of a global network of 2,100 franchised and licensed shops across 20 countries. While Project Spark remains the flagship community initiative, the company also supports local charities through store-level sponsorships and disaster relief efforts.
For more information about Project Spark, eligibility, or how to donate a vehicle, visit .
About Midas
Midas is one of the world’s largest automotive service providers, specializing in brakes, maintenance, tires, exhaust, steering, and suspension. With nearly 1,200 locations in the U.S. and Canada, Midas is known for its “No B.S.” approach to customer service and its Golden Guarantees. Project Spark reflects the company’s belief that reliable transportation is a foundation for opportunity.
SOURCE: Midas International
