EchoPark Automotive, which is Sonic Automotive’s chain of standalone used-car stores, said Thursday it has relocated its North Houston dealership.

EchoPark recently opened a new state-of-the-art facility at 18310 North Freeway in Houston, a move that broadens the retailer’s footprint “in one of the region’s fastest-growing communities, bringing its signature car-buying experience closer to residents in Spring, The Woodlands, and the greater North Houston area,” EchoPark said in a release.

The North Houston location complements the EchoPark store on Southwest Freeway in Houston. There are six EchoPark stores in Texas, including two in Houston.

The North Houston store will host a community open house from 3-6 p.m. local time on Sept. 2, featuring baseball legend Roger Clemens.

The event is partnering with the Astros Foundation and the Roger Clemens Foundation for a baseball equipment drive along with presenting a vehicle to a deserving Houston-area Little League coach.

“Our continued investment in the Houston market is a direct reflection of our commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience where our guests live and work,” Sonic chairman and CEO David Smith said in a news release.

“Spring is a vibrant, expanding community, and this new location is a natural next step for EchoPark. We believe in being deeply rooted in our communities, and we are excited to celebrate the opening of this new location by partnering with the Astros Foundation and Roger Clemens Foundation to serve youth sports.”

Sonic president Jeff Dyke added, “This move is all about our guests. We’re bringing EchoPark’s value, quality, and industry-leading experience closer to our customers in Spring and The Woodlands.

“The same team our guests know and trust has moved to a more convenient location, and our guests can walk through our doors knowing they will continue to receive the transparent and welcoming experience that defines the EchoPark brand.”

Making an ‘Impact’ in Ohio

Further north in Cleveland, the Great Lakes Auto Group will be the presenting sponsor of the inaugural An Evening of Impact, a benefit for the Changing Lives Foundation, an organization that provides hope, compassion and financial support to people facing catastrophic life events.

An Evening of Impact is set for 6-9 p.m. local time on Oct. 5 at The Aviator Center & Pub in Cleveland.

The foundation is aiming to raise $1 million during the event and has already received $43,000 in committed donations.

The Changing Lives Foundation provides everything from groceries and household needs to grants for individuals and families experiencing crises, providing support to those going through house fires, sudden illnesses, tragic accidents and other life-altering events.

The event will gather community members, business leaders sponsors and supporters for a night of connection, generosity, charitable auctions, live entertainment and impact stories.

“Great Lakes Auto Group’s support as Presenting Sponsor is an incredible gift to this event and to the families we serve,” said Tammy Thompson, executive director of Changing Lives Foundation, in a news release. “Their leadership helps make this evening possible and allows us to bring more people together around one purpose: standing in the gap for families facing the unthinkable.”

Great Lakes Auto Group president Joey Huang added, “Great Lakes Auto Group is honored to support Changing Lives Foundation as the Presenting Sponsor of An Evening of Impact. We truly believe in the work this foundation is doing for people in need, and we know the funds raised go directly to those who need help most. When our team talked about this opportunity, every person agreed that this is exactly the kind of mission we want to stand behind.

“We have been proud supporters of Changing Lives Foundation for a long time, and we look forward to being actively involved in helping make this event a tremendous success.”

More info: changinglivesfound.org/an-evening-of-impact.