Thanksgiving is Much More Festive Because of Autobytel

IRVINE, CA—November 23, 2013: With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the employees of Irvine, California-based Autobytel Inc. (Nasdaq: ABTL) demonstrated their spirit of giving this holiday season during the company’s second annual food drive event benefiting Families Forward, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support and assistance to families in crisis.

“Partnering with local charitable organizations like Families Forward and Working Wardrobes is our focus. We’re committed to supporting their efforts not only during the holidays but all year long.”

Coordinated by the Autobytel Good Works Council, the food drive challenged employees to a three-week contest to see which company departments could donate the most holiday food items—in this case, canned soups and vegetables, gravy, stuffing, breads and more. In all, hundreds of food items were donated. The winning Autobytel department is being treated to a pizza party in the coming weeks.

“Our staff members are tremendously generous and fiercely competitive, which made this year’s food drive event so successful,” said Jeff Coats, president and chief executive officer of Autobytel Inc. “I’m proud to work with such a great group of people. Because of their giving spirit and the incredible efforts of the Autobytel Good Works Council, we are able to help feed those who are less fortunate. Making community a commitment in our business, and giving back to others who are facing life challenges, is incredibly rewarding.”

Founded in 1984, and based in Orange County, California, Families Forward strives to supply individuals and families with the tools to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency. Each year the organization holds a Thanksgiving-themed grocery distribution for local families in need. Last year, Families Forward was able to provide over 700 families with traditional Thanksgiving fixings to cook a delicious holiday meal.

“We developed the Autobytel Good Works Council to identify local charitable organizations to support that align most closely with our social responsibility goals and whose efforts make the most impact,” said Rose Mayer, product manager, dealer operations and member of the Good Works Council. “Partnering with local charitable organizations like Families Forward and Working Wardrobes is our focus. We’re committed to supporting their efforts not only during the holidays but all year long.”