, a program honoring all veterans and military personnel with free car washes on Veterans Day, reported registered car washes in all 50 states for the first time in the program’s six-year history. This program shows the car wash industry's united support of service personnel who have sacrificed for every citizen's freedom.
Participating locations in this year’s program doubled 2009 figures, and as of Monday, November 15, 2010 552 companies with 1315 locations provided 70,616 free carwashes to our veterans. These numbers reflect 213 of the 552 company’s reported totals. Carwashes in Alaska, Hawaii, Mississippi, North Dakota, West Virginia, Wyoming and even one in Canada participated in Grace for Vets for the first time this year and added to the success of the program. A list of this year's registered carwash participants can be viewed here.
Grace for Vets was founded in 2004 by Mike Mountz, president of Cloister Wash & Lube. Mike was inducted into the International Carwash Association’s Hall of Fame in 2010, and discusses his passion for the cause in this video.
“We are really excited to announce that reaching our goal of 100,000 washes for veterans is closer to becoming a reality,” said Mike. “The feedback we’ve received from all over the world has been overwhelming and wonderful.”
Organizers launched a strong grassroots program this year to help get the word out, gathering support from carwash suppliers and industry associations, like the International Carwash Association, which encouraged customers and members to participate in the promotion.
For the final number of free washes given on this Veteran’s Day please check the Grace for Vets homepage at the end of the week. Also, if you participated in the program this year, check this page to make sure your wash numbers have been recorded.