by Richard Prior
Staff Writer
The Christmas season is over for just about everybody, but not for Jacksonville Area Legal Aid.
The spirit of giving continued Monday as Howard Dale turned over the keys to his gleaming red Volvo to Michael Figgins, Legal Aid’s executive director, and Kim Ruotolo, development coordinator.
“What a wonderful opportunity this is,” said Ruotolo. “We’re so excited about it.”
Dale bought the 1994 four-door Volvo Turbo in 1997. It has new tires, a new battery and was recently serviced. It was primarily driven by his wife, Nancy, for the past six years.
“I’ve long been a supporter and a volunteer with Legal Aid, and I know what good work they do,” said Dale, with Dale, Bald, Showalter & Mercier in the SunTrust building.
“My wife and I felt very confident the car would either be put to good use or would be sold and the money put to good use,” he added. “We believe very strongly in Legal Aid, so it was very easy to make the decision.
“We’re happy we’re able to do it, and we hope it inspires other people to do the same thing.”
Figgins said he, too, hoped that others would follow Dale’s example. Legal Aid would eagerly accept cars, boats or real property that would be sold to help pay for the work being done at the Major B. Harding Center for Justice.
He said he wasn’t sure if the car would be put up for auction or if Legal Aid would try to attract buyers through ads.
“We’re thinking of a number of options,” said Figgins, as he and Ruotolo accepted the keys from Dale. “Obviously, if someone wants to make a bid, they could call, and we’d be glad to consider it.”
Those who may be interested should call Ruotolo at 356-8371, Ext. 316. The Center for Justice is at 126 W. Adams St.
The Volvo is being garaged downtown, within easy reach of prospective buyers.
It apparently was not a given that Legal Aid would want the car, even in its immaculate condition, Dale said.
“It was great that Michael and Kim were receptive,” he said. “So many charities are intimidated by paperwork and the logistics of it.
“It would have not been unexpected for Michael to say, ‘No. That’s too much work; we don’t want to do it.’ That, of course, is not their attitude.They figure out a way to make things work.
“So it worked out for both of us.
Figgins laughed at the possibility that he would have turned down the donation. Asked if he was thankful that Dale and his wife thought of Legal Aid first, he said, “You got that right. You can put that in capital letters.
“The paperwork is not at all that intimidating, compared with what we will get. The benefit greatly outweighs any problem. In fact, there wasn’t any problem.”
The plan, Figgins said, is to liquidate the car as soon as possible for the highest price possible.
“Hopefully, through Howard’s generosity, we’ll have many more opportunities to do the same.”