PORT CHARLOTTE, FLA — When you first come to MPM Automotive in Port Charlotte, two things quickly become clear.
They take pride in their work and their customers...
"We treat them like family and we get along with them," says co-owner Paul Newman.
No one knows that better than Greg Garman.
"This is my local auto body shop, I bring all of my vehicles that need repair here," he said.
But little did Greg know their customer service would go way beyond the cars.
It all started about a year ago, when a blood test showed that his kidneys were failing.
"It was a complete shock," he said.
Since then, the dad and Southwest Florida nurse has been put on dialysis.
"It's very taxing because they're doing in three hours what your kidneys do over two days," he said.
And now it's gotten to the point where he needs a kidney donation.
Now, that's where MPM Automotive comes back in. Not only is the management team spreading the word about Greg's need for a donor, but they're also looking to raise some money.
"We're going to do a fundraiser on October 10," said Newman.
They'll be selling food and raffling off prizes, so Greg doesn't have to worry about bills once he gets the surgery.
And they're confident it will happen for him soon.
"Who does that what kind of auto body shop does that for one of their customers?" said Garman.
And if you're wondering who instilled this level of service into this family owned shop, here's who the owner says is to blame.
"My mom (laughs). My mom is a great lady. She taught me that," said Newman.
Greg is working with Tampa General Hospital to coordinate his donation and eventual surgery. For more information about the hospital's living kidney donor program, click here.
You can also reach Greg with any questions or information about a possible donation at Gregskidneygoal@gmail.com.
You can stay up to date on the fundraiser being held at MPM Automotive on October 10, by following this Facebook page.
If you want to be a vendor at the fundraiser or donate to it, you can reach Paul Newman at (941)-764-9054 or (941)-524-2448.
