WEST CALDWELL, N.J., Aug. 26, 2013 – Toyota announced the winners for wave two of the Toyota Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge, with Pamela Lippe of Earth Day New Yorkand Karen Lee of EcoKarensharing the top spot averaging 999 MPG*. Rounding out third place with an average of 251 MPG was Leigh Garofalow, founder of Green 4 U. The winning participants achieved high mileage averages by limiting their consumption of fuel during the Challenge, maximizing the use of the Electric Vehicle driving modes and leveraging eco-conscious driving techniques.
 
Pamela Lippe and Karen Lee will each be awarded a $2,500 contribution to donate to non-profit organizations of their choice. Pamela’s winning contribution will benefit Earth Day New York, a nonprofit organization promoting environmental awareness and solutions through partnerships with schools, community organizations, businesses and government, and Karen’s benefiting Autism Speaks of Westchester, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. Leigh Garofalow will receive $500 for the Arc of Essex County, a non-profit serving those with developmental disabilities and their families.
 
“We’re overwhelmed by the commitment and competitive spirit of our participants for wave two of the Toyota Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge,” said Kevin Curran, Vehicle Operations Manager for Toyota’s New York Region. “By putting our vehicles in the hands of these incredibly dedicated, environmentally-conscious influencers, we were able to help educate drivers on how easy and rewarding it is to make a difference in their communities.”
 
And the Challenge continues with wave three participants set to kick off the competition today, including:
 

• Cornerstone Family Programs – formed by a group of women from the Presbyterian Church in Morristown to help the needy in their community
• Meals on Wheels of Staten Island – created to deliver healthy nutrition to homebound elderly living on Staten Island
• Move For Hunger – holds food drives, advocacy events and fundraisers across the country
• People to People– alleviates the problem of hunger in their community

About the Toyota Prius Plug-in MPG Challenge:
The goal for the Challenge is to encourage participants to achieve high mileage numbers by taking advantage of the Prius Plug-in's EV Driving Mode, as well as practicing daily fuel and energy-conserving driving techniques.. To be eligible to win, participants must drive a minimum of 500 miles total and 75 miles each week. The highest overall MPG according to the Prius’ trip computer per 30-day challenge wins a $2,500 contribution, with second-place finisher earning $1,000 and the third-place finisher winning $500. All participating companies will also receive a $200 gas card.
 
Wave three challengers will document their activity in real-time via social channels, including:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PriusPlugInMpg
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/priuspluginmpg
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/pluginforcharity

 
*Average fuel consumption was recorded by the vehicle’s computer and includes a combination of driving in EV and hybrid modes. EV mode for the Toyota Prius Plug-in is EPA-rated at 95 MPGe; Hybrid mode offers an EPA combined mileage rating of 50 mpg.