Industry-leading automotive retailer, whose mission is to drive out cancer, has made a substantial donation to help fund transformational scientific cancer research at center

AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN), America’s most admired automotive retailer who has donated more than $35 million to national and local philanthropic organizations through its Drive Pink (DRVPNK) mission to help drive out cancer, recently celebrated the opening of the new AutoNation Cell Therapy and Cancer Research Center at Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston.

The new state-of-the-art research facility will conduct groundbreaking research of cell-based therapies for cancer and evaluate the outcomes, provide regenerative research education, and support needed scientific regenerative medicine research.

“Years ago we started our Drive Pink mission with the Cleveland Clinic by establishing the AutoNation Cancer Care Fund and donating Totes for Hope to cancer patients. Who could have imagined that our partnership would grow to where it is today with the opening of this critical new research center,” said Marc Cannon, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Experience Officer at AutoNation. “The money we raise has led to the introduction of effective new treatments and an improved quality of life for cancer patients, but we must continue driving forward towards a cure because every single one of us knows someone affected or touched by this dreaded disease.”

In honor of the occasion, AutoNation treated local cancer caregivers to a DRVPNK-themed ice cream truck social with music, plenty of DRVPNK décor, and a visit from AutoNation influencers Axel and Lexa.

“We’re very appreciative of this pivotal gift from AutoNation, a company that has been a driving force in the community to end cancer,” said Dr. Joseph Iannotti, Cleveland Clinic Florida Region Chief of Staff and Chief Academic and Innovation Officer. “This seed funding will help support the people, equipment, and technology needed to conduct new groundbreaking research on our campus.”

Since 2013, AutoNation has contributed over $35 million to its extensive network of charitable community partners in support of cancer research across the spectrum, from pediatric cancer to treatments for prostate cancer and more.