3rd Annual Biggest Aquarian
Birthday Bash

› More Information

Susan Jacobs honored as
Lightning Community Hero

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning honored Susan Jacobs as a Lightning Community Hero during the first period of tonight’s game against the New Jersey Devils. Jacobs, who received a $50,000 donation from the Lightning Foundation and the Lightning Community Heroes program, will contribute the money to her charity of choice, Wheels Of Success.

Established in 2003, Wheels Of Success strives to help families obtain or continue work by providing them with reliable transportation through a program of car repairs, vehicle replacement, related licensing services, car payments, down payments and car-care classes in both Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties. Through the support of dedicated partners in the automotive industry, the organization obtains vehicles through purchase or donation and restores them to good running condition.

For nearly a decade, Jacobs has worked tirelessly to assist those in need who have fallen on hard times due to a variety of reasons. As a result of Jacobs’ goodwill and hospitality, dozens of individuals and families have been able to commute to and from work, take their children to school and fulfill daily necessities such as grocery shopping and making trips to the doctor’s office.

Waiting for Wheels!

A victim of sexual assault who moved out of her parents’ home as soon as she turned 18.
Kristen is now struggling to make it on her own without support from her family. She works in the evenings and her shift ends after the last bus stops running. Sometimes she has to walk home alone at 11:30pm — in the dark and without sidewalks. Kristen said, "It scares me to be out at night because of what happened to me. I just want to get my life back."

An elementary school nurse who is battling breast cancer.
Emily travels by bus from Pinellas to Hillsborough County each day with her 8-year old daughter. The commute takes 3 hours and 4 buses — each way. Sometimes it's so late when they get home they "miss dinner and crash into bed, just to wake up a few hours later." Having her own car would not only help Emily get to work easier, it would also provide her the means – and the time – to get to her oncologist appointments.

No Longer Waiting for Wheels!

	A young woman who is struggling to make it on her own without any support from family members. Growing up in poverty, she has moved out of her family's home so that her mother can focus on taking care of her younger brother who has special needs. A "new to her" car would help this hardworking young woman get to work safely and dependably—and help to break the cycle of poverty.
	A single mother of three children who was a victim of identity theft. Because of legal expenses, as well as medical expenses resulting from her teenaged son's car accident, she could no longer afford her car payments. Because she does not live near a bus line, she is now relying on a co-worker for rides to work and walking several miles to buy food for her family.
	An activities director of an assisted living facility who is currently taking three buses to get back and forth to work. She has young two boys and often misses their parent/teacher conferences because she cannot get there by bus at the times they are scheduled. She says she misses the freedom of taking her kids to the park, visiting friends, and going out as a family.

Wish List

Wheels of Success always accepts vehicles, boats and RVs (running or not). We are also currently in need of:

If you can donate any of the items on our wish list please contact us.