Taking the high road

With his long commute, caring for his wife and three kids and extensive volunteer work with the Boy Scouts, the last thing James Osborne needs to worry about is his 30-year-old clunker breaking down. In recognition of his dedication to community service, Dino DiGiulio of Body Best Collision Center hands over the keys to a gleaming reconditioned car to Osborne, this year’s “Wheels to Prosper” recipient.

Osborne has been working with Boy Scout Troop 16 since 2005, including leading scout groups– and his family — in food drives, event and bike path clean-ups, the Flags Over Sonoma fundraiser and many more projects. “It has been a joy and blessing for our family to see young boys in Sonoma grow into fine young men willing to give back to the community,” said Osborne’s wife, Donna.

A 34-year park ranger, Osborne had been commuting to his post in San Francisco on a bus, where his job includes educational outreach programs. “He has been a faithful and dedicated public servant for many years, and his helpful spirit has continued in our hometown,” Donna Osborne said. “With a reliable car, our family can continue to help our local community that we love so much.”

Providing the people the means to carry on their good works is why DiGiulio started the Wheels to Prosper program. Along with partners Pacific Rim Auto Repair and North Bay Insurance, DiGiulio has awarded nine cars over the past seven years. Recipients are chosen from nominations of local people contributing to the community. The program, which includes partnerships with Pacific Rim Auto Repair and North Bay Insurance, will continue with another vehicle giveaway next July.

Fixing the car and handing over the keys never gets old, DiGiulio said. “It’s my way of making sure deserving people can continue to go out and make a difference.”