PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- Avis Rent A Car System Inc. announced that Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York is the initial recipient of a special Avis "We Try Harder" award for outstanding community service.

The award recognizes organizations, individuals, and Avis employees who demonstrate outstanding community service efforts. Six winners will be honored throughout 2003 in commemoration of Avis' yearlong celebration of the 40th anniversary of the 1963 launch of the now famous "We Try Harder" company slogan and ad campaign.

Award ceremonies will be held during specially designated pre-game home plate ceremonies at Yankee Stadium in New York City. The first event will be held on Wednesday, April 30, prior to the 7:05 p.m. game.

"As we 'celebrate a generation of wishes' during the 20th birthday of Metro New York, we are pleased to be recognized by an outstanding organization that also understands the meaning of community service and 'Trying Harder,'" said Patricia Clemency, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York.

"Avis has made a long-standing commitment to 'Trying Harder' for our customers and the communities we operate in," said Tom Tobias, vice president of North East operations for Cendant Car Rental Group, parent company of Avis. "We're proud to recognize Make-A-Wish and its many volunteers for providing support and hope to so many local New Yorkers."