City Times Staff

Nine local NAPA Auto Care Centers have raised over $2,800 for the Portage County Humane Society.

The “Mechanics for Mutts” campaign was the brainchild of Dave Harvath, owner of D&D Auto, and his wife, Anna.

“We were looking for a way to give back to the local community, who has supported our business for over 28 years,” Dave Harvath said in an email. “Anna has always had a soft spot for animals, especially those without a home, and wanted to raise funds that would benefit the local humane society.”

Each participating Napa Auto Care Center was given the option of donating the proceeds from oil changes performed on on a specific date, or donating a percentage of that day’s sales, Dave Horvath said. Some stores even utilized social media, posting photographs a one of their mechanics with a dog from the human society, to amplify their message.

This fundraiser was a hit, surpassing the group’s goal of $1,000. Dave Harvath said the fundraiser will now become an annual affair at the local Napa Auto Care Center stores.

The total, $2,823.88, was presented to the Portage County Humane Society during its annual Pet Fest fundraiser in October.

The Napa Auto Care Centers involved in the fundraiser include Auto Exchange, Premier Auto Body and Service, two locations of Auto Select, Check’s Muffler, Daddio’s, Eagle Automotive, K&S Auto, Riverwest and D&D Automotive.