July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

USC Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity Donates Dodge Dart To Meals On Wheels West:

Meals on Wheels West in Santa Monica has found themselves in possession of a brand new Dodge Dart, thanks to the charitable efforts of the Alpha Delta Chapter of the Zeta Beta Tau (ZBT) fraternity of University of Southern California.

The ZBT participants successfully crowd funded a brand new 2013 Dodge Dart through the “Dodge Dart Registry,” an online program that provides a creative way to raise money for the purchase of a new Dodge Dart.

The ZBT fraternity, which participates in a community service project every year, decided to participate in the “Dodge Dart Registry” after learning about both the registry program and how Meals on Wheels West would benefit from a car.  

Meals on Wheels West, which has been a certified nutrition program since 1999, is dedicated to nourishing and enriching the lives of the home bound by providing healthy meals and services that promote respect and independent living.

The organization’s vision is to eliminate hunger and to foster independence through home delivery of meals across Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu.

ZBT vice president Jake Kelfer is responsible for spearheading this endeavor.

Kelfer’s said it was one of his roles to head the fraternity’s philanthropic and community service efforts.

After a friend told him about an opportunity to participate in the Dodge Dart Registry, Kelfer knew this was the project he wanted to pursue.

“I jump at the idea for new philanthropic opportunities,” Kelfer said. “I learned more about the registry and we decided as an executive board that this was a project that would benefit Meals on Wheels West and would benefit the Greek community at USC.”

He said the decision to donate the car to Meals on Wheels West was an easy one for ZBT.

“We looked into the organization and we thought it was perfect because we knew they would definitely benefit from a car,” Kelfer said.

The Dodge Dart Registry allows participants to set the amount of funding they would like to raise for a new Dart, which can be anywhere from a down payment to the full price of the vehicle, and allows for different people to sponsor specific vehicle parts.

The registry itemizes various components of the car, such as a steering wheel, a shifter, a seat or an engine, which allows for community members and supporters to sponsor specific parts.

RocketHub, a crowd-funding platform that makes raising funds quick and simple, is responsible for powering the registry.

Kelfer said the entire process took three and a half months.

“Once we heard about the program, we had to create our registry and write something up about why were doing this,” he said. “Once that was set and it was established that we would be doing this for Meals on Wheels West, we had to figure out a way to raise the money.”

The ZBT goal was to raise $18,000, which was met successfully.

The fraternity met their goal on May 1 by leveraging social media channels, reaching out to alumni network, posting flyers, selling hot chocolate, and hosting open mic nights.

MOWW Director of Community Relations Ellen Rabin said she was quite impressed with the efforts of the ZBT fraternity.

“The process began in February and by April 4 they had raised $10,000,” Rabin said. “The fact that they are in college, but still had the idea to give back to the community, is very impressive.”

Rabin said ZBT was able to reach out to the whole community.

“They were able to get donations from 385 people, which allowed them to meet their goal,” she said.

Aside from being credited with raising $18,000 for a noble cause, the ZBT fraternity is also credited with being the second group to have successfully funded a Dodge Dart through the Dodge Dart Registry.

The registry, which launched in January, has nearly 7,000 registries that have been created to date.

“A lot of people doubted us at the beginning,” Kelfer said. “We wouldn’t have taken on this project if we didn’t think we could complete it. We believe in our fraternity and we knew we were going to reach our goal.”

To learn more about Meals on Wheels West and the “Dodge Dart Registry” visit mealsonwheelswest.org and DodgeDartRegistry.com.

in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...