Ally Financial executives recently joined in a celebration of one New York auto dealer.

They were honoring a finalist for the 2013 TIME Dealer of the Year awards, Don Carbone of Carbone Auto Group in Utica, and presented charitable grants to support his efforts in this central New York community.
 
A $5,000 grant on Carbone’s behalf was made by Ally to The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, an organization that funds local schools, health agencies, arts venues, libraries and other nonprofit organizations.

The grant will contribute to The Community Foundation’s 25/25 goal, which seeks to help 25 percent of its community members earn a bachelor’s degree by the year 2025.

A separate $1,000 grant was presented by Ally to the Kelberman Center, a regional center in New York dedicated to the advancement of people with autism spectrum disorders.

That grant will make it possible for more than 30 local children with autism spectrum disorders to attend its summer camp program.

“At Ally, we believe dealers like Don are heroes in their communities, and we are proud to support these important local causes,” said Steve Walters, Ally’s northeast regional vice president.

“Ally has provided more than 100 grants to nonprofit organizations through our involvement with the TIME Dealer of the Year program. We have been inspired by dealers like Don whose generosity makes his community a better place,” Walters said.

Carbone was chosen as one of four finalists for the 2013 TIME Dealer of the Year award from among 57 U.S. dealers recognized for community involvement and business performance.

Ally donated $10,000 to the winner’s charity of choice, $5,000 to community causes chosen by each of the three finalists, and $1,000 on behalf of each of the 57 dealer nominees.

Nominees for the 2014 TIME Dealer of the Year award will be announced in October; the winner will be named at the NADA Convention and Expo in New Orleans in January 2014.