AutoNation Toyota Tempe general manager Neil Underwood says AutoNation is proud to support the work of Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
“We were honored to be the Pace Car Sponsor of the Virtual 5K and help the hospital raise more than $162,000,” said Underwood said in a news release.
On Monday, AutoNation provided additional support for the hospital, presenting a check for $20,000. The presentation took place Thursday at AutoNation Toyota Tempe.
Funds came through AutoNation’s cash register charity program along with community members and AutoNation store associates in Arizona. A donation program is in place at all point-of-purchase terminals, and customers use their credit card to donate to the charity. One-hundred percent of the donation goes directly to the charity.
"I'm very proud of the leadership role that AutoNation plays in the local community,” said AutoNation’s Arizona market president Matt Brown. “Customers and associates have been generous in donating and uniting for a common cause — to drive out cancer."
AutoNation’s community-support work has included its DRV PNK mission. That program has raised almost $26 million toward cancer research and treatment.
Members of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association contributed $21 million to local charitable endeavors in 2019 in locations such as New York City, Long Island, Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley.
GNYADA owns and operates the New York International Auto Show, and during the show, the association hosts an annual fund-raising event for East Side House Settlement that has raised more than $15 million.
This year, as the COVID-19 pandemic creates more food insecurity, New York’s franchise new car dealers have stepped up once again. And they have gotten “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock” comedian Tracy Morgan involved.
They delivered hundreds of turkeys to those in need this Thanksgiving.
In addition to working with Morgan, who is a New York City native, the association is working with East Side House Settlement and member dealers Manhattan Motor Cars and LaSorsa Chevrolet Buick in the Bronx to deliver 500 turkeys to families in need.
The turkey giveaway was part of a 20-year partnership between GNYADA and ESHS. Through that partnership, thousands of Bronx residents each year receive social services, including food distribution and educational and job training programs. ESHS is a nonprofit organization that provides education and social services throughout the Bronx and northern Manhattan.
The group distributed the turkeys at the Mott Haven Community Center in the South Bronx. According to GNYADA, the South Bronx has been particularly hard hit by the pandemic. The community is home to many essential workers, and COVID positivity rate there was 10%. That is more than three times the citywide average.
In addition, the area’s asthma rates are eight to 12 times the national average. GNYADA says because of that, many residents, including children, are vulnerable to COVID-19.
“Franchise new car dealers are the brick-and-mortar economic backbone of so many of our communities, and they are often the most prominent and visible force helping to drive charitable efforts such as this,” GNYADA president Mark Schienberg said in a news release.
Schienberg continued, “I can think of no better examples of this incredibly generous spirit than Brian Miller of Manhattan Motor Cars and John LaSorsa of LaSorsa Chevrolet Buick in the Bronx. Their deep ties to their communities in the South Bronx, Southern Westchester and throughout New York City, and their work with East Side House to provide crucial services, is really making a clear impact on people’s lives. It is not just the holiday season, but all year round.”
GNYADA purchased the turkeys. The association represents about 400 downstate New York franchise new car dealers, as well as Miller and LaSorsa.
“East Side House is so proud to be on the frontlines of the pandemic relief serving the community we love,” said ESHS executive director Daniel Diaz.
Diaz continued, “Since the pandemic hit, East Side House has made sure families have what they need to survive, including access to healthy food. Today, we feed over 5,000 people per week. We are so grateful for the over two decades of partnership we’ve had with GNYADA, and their unwavering commitment to supporting New Yorkers in need. Now, when the need is greatest, GNYADA has stepped up in a big way. Their donation of turkeys will make Thanksgiving dinner a bright spot during a tough year for our families.”
Manhattan Motorcars principal Brian Miller has gotten an up-close look at the work of East Side House.
“And I felt it was so important that, in this incredibly challenging time, we once again partner to deliver for those in need in our city, which has suffered so greatly,” Miller said. “Even as we face a difficult winter, our hope is that we can help families enjoy some comfort this holiday season.”
“As a longtime small business owner in the Bronx, nothing is more important than supporting our community through its time of need,” said LaSorsa of LaSorsa Chevrolet Buick. “We have continually worked with East Side House to try to create opportunities for Bronx residents to realize their potential. This Thanksgiving, as we take stock of what is important in life, it is critical to ensure that our neighbors have food on the table and hope for the future.”
The Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association represents more than 400 franchised automobile dealerships in the metro New York area. Those dealerships collectively generate more than $51 billion in economic impact and support more than 71,000 jobs.
Stacey Ellis of Jim Ellis Automotive Group says her company wants to bring smiles to disadvantaged children who deserve some joy in their lives.
“It’s been a daunting year for many families, so it is more important than ever for us to make a meaningful difference this year and help put a smile on a child’s face as we spread some holiday cheer,” said Ellis, who is vice president of the company, in a news release.
Jim Ellis Automotive Group is helping to provide some of that cheer, recently announcing the return of its annual Holiday Giving Campaign.
The campaign is a group-wide sales event that will benefit the Empty Stocking Fund. That is a nonprofit organization that provides toys and gifts to disadvantaged children during the holiday season. It also provides school supplies across several Georgia counties throughout the year.
All 19 Jim Ellis family-owned-and-operated dealerships from Nov. 27 to Dec. 31 will donate a portion of every sale of all new or pre-owned vehicles to the Empty Stocking Fund.
With the collective donation, children in need will receive toys and gifts along with essential supplies throughout the year, which Jim Ellis Automotive says support positive social and emotional development along with academic success.
For Jim Ellis Automotive Group, participating in philanthropic efforts in the communities they serve is tradition. The company is celebrating 50 years in business next year. This year’s Holiday Giving Campaign is the group’s fourth consecutive year of holiday giving to organizations that care for children and families.
With the donation from Jim Ellis Automotive Group, Empty Stocking Fund estimates that more than 2,000 children will receive with gift packages for Christmas. Each child will receive two gift items, a book, a package of socks, an educational item, and a hygiene item.
“When customers purchase their vehicle from any of our 19 family-owned-and-operated Jim Ellis dealerships, they can enjoy the additional benefit of knowing they are shopping for a worthy cause,” Jim Ellis Automotive stated.
“We are so grateful to be this year’s beneficiary of the Jim Ellis Holiday Giving Campaign,” Empty Stocking Fund executive director Manda Hunt said.
Hunt continued, “We anticipate an increase in the need for our services this holiday season and are prepared to provide 40,000 children with gift packages. The Jim Ellis Automotive Group's generosity will help us reach this goal and bring a little joy to metro Atlanta families.”
Each year, the Empty Stocking Fund serves metro Atlanta children in need, with distribution of nearly 200,000 gift items. Children from birth through age 12 living in the metro Atlanta area and surrounding counties are eligible to receive gifts from the fund.
To register your child or children or to check for eligibility to receive gifts from The Empty Stocking Fund, visit www.emptystockingfund.org/holidays.
Stating that cars and toys go together, HGreg.com is collaborating with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve's annual Toys for Tots Program, allowing South Florida residents to drop off unwrapped toy gifts at any of the eight new and pre-owned car dealerships within the HGreg.com network.
Residents can drop the toys off until Dec. 11, and the toys will be redirected to children at Christmas.
HGreg president John Hairabedian said that especially this year, he was happy for his company to support the Toys for Tots program and children in the community.
“Helping to bring a smile to a child is a gift for us,” Hairabedian said in a news release.
The 4th Civil Affairs Group in Hialeah organized the program, which distributes new and unwrapped toys that the community and businesses donate. The toys go to underprivileged children of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties for the holidays. HGreg.com Orlando is also participating in a similar Toys for Tots program.
The Toys for Tots program includes more than 200 drop-off locations throughout the region, and local program organizers hope to exceed last year’s total donation of 74,752 toys.
HGreg.com drop off locations include:
HGreg.com Doral
8505 NW 12th St.
Doral, FL 33126
HGreg.com Westpark
3801 S. State Rd. 7
West Park, Fla. 33023
HGreg.com Miami
8101 NW 7th Ave.
Miami, Fla. 33150
HGreg.com Orlando
2510 Jetport Dr.
Orlando, Fla. 32809
HGreg.com Nissan Delray
2200 S. Federal Hwy.
Delray Beach, Fla. 33483
HGreg.com Nissan Kendall
17305 S. Dixie Hwy A
Palmetto Bay, Fla. 33157
HGreg.com Lux
2500 W. Sample Rd.
Pompano Beach, Fla. 33073
HGreg.com West Palm Beach
551 Military Trail
West Palm Beach, Fla. 33415
When Larry H. Miller Dealerships learned that students attending schools within the Avondale Elementary School District needed school supplies, the company was eager to help.
“Finding a need in the community and gathering together to fulfill the need is embedded in our company culture, but it’s also a part of who we are individually," Larry H. Miller Dealerships Avondale controller Ana Games said in a news release. “Our employees love contributing to the community by giving back.”
Larry H. Miller Volkswagen Avondale, Larry H. Miller Chrysler Jeep Avondale, and Larry H. Miller Dodge Ram Avondale are helping by hosting a three-week “Driven to Assist” school supply drive leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday. The drive is meant to help nearly 6,000 Avondale Elementary School District children go back to in-person learning equipped with the individual school supplies required for adherence with COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Through Nov. 30, Larry H. Miller Dealerships is asking employees and the public to help fill a vehicle in each of its three Avondale dealerships with school supplies.
Glue sticks, colored pens, pencils, highlighters, loose leaf paper, small covered pencil sharpeners, washable markers, pencil bags, composition books, calculators, Expo markers (low odor), hand sanitizer, and tissues are among the most-needed supplies.
The district, which educates kindergarten through eighth-grade children, returned to in-person learning at 50% capacity in October. But teachers have faced the challenge of not enough school supplies, and because of COVID-19 safety concerns, children can no longer share their supplies.
“Avondale Elementary School District is grateful to Larry H. Miller for their support in ensuring we are able to provide class supplies to develop individual sets for children,” superintendent Betsy Hargrove said in a news release.
Hargrove continued, “Typically, we are able to share supplies such as crayons, markers, and scissors in classrooms and groups. This year, and with the concerns around COVID, all students are in need of individual sets to ensure safe use. As well, we have some students at home and others in the classroom and all students need to be able to have the supplies necessary to access the excellent instruction.”
The school supplies will be delivered to the district during the week of Dec. 1.
Driven to Assist locations are:
— Larry H. Miller Dodge Ram Avondale, 10101 W. Papago Fwy., Avondale, Ariz. 85323
— Larry H. Miller Chrysler Jeep Avondale, 10055 W. Papago Fwy., Avondale, Ariz. 85323
— Larry H. Miller Volkswagen Avondale, 10205 W. Papago Fwy., Avondale, Ariz. 85323
The DrivenToDrive program helps injured veterans, like retired Air Force Senior Airman Karah Behrend, regain their independence and get back behind the wheel of a retrofitted vehicle.
“No one can see my disability when I’m behind the wheel of a car,” Behrend said in a news release.
TrueCar, AutoNation, and Disabled American Veterans, or DAV, recently awarded a retrofitted 2020 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 to Behrend, who joined the Air Force in 2011 as a signals intelligence analyst.
In conjunction with Veterans Day on Wednesday, the presentation to Behrend took place in a surprise virtual ceremony. TrueCar Military’s brand ambassador, Jesse Iwuji, presented the vehicle.
Behrend spent approximately six and a half years in the military before medically retiring. Diagnosed with RSD CRPS (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Complex Regional Pain Syndrome), she was left in a wheelchair.
“Driving gives me a sense of freedom and the confidence that I’m not limited by my disability,” Behrend said.
She continued, “Whether it’s running errands or letting my adrenaline flow with off-road racing, I feel like I have my independence back when I’m driving. I’m proud of serving my country and so appreciative to be TrueCar’s 2020 DrivenToDrive recipient. I cannot wait to drive my brand-new Chevy Colorado.”
Army Ranger and DrivenToDrive ambassador, Cory Remsburg influenced TrueCar’s connection to the disabled veterans’ community.
This marks the fourth year and fifth vehicle donation through TrueCar’s DrivenToDrive, a program built in partnership with DAV and AutoNation. With a virtual ceremony on Veterans Day, The DrivenToDrive program took place remotely this year.
This year, Iwuji participated as a special guest in the 2020 DrivenToDrive program, surprising Behrend at her home in Phoenix with the Chevrolet Colorado.
Behrend, 27, is an adaptive athlete who participates in basketball and rugby Warrior Games. She is also passionate about off-road racing and competes as an amateur rally racer; recently placing second in the Rebelle Rally, a women's off-road navigation rally raid.
Behrend plans to use the Chevrolet Colorado to train other disabled individuals how to drive off-road with hand controls, in case they find themselves in a vulnerable situation or stuck off-road. She also hopes to create her own hand controls for manual transmission vehicles to help adaptive drivers drive stick shift cars.
“Retired Air Force Senior Airman Karah Behrend has broken down many barriers at such a young age, showing us that with resiliency and optimism, anything is possible,” said TrueCar president and chief executive officer Mike Darrow.
He continued, “She continues to show strength by overcoming obstacles in her daily life. It makes us proud to support veterans like Karah, who have made great sacrifices for our country, through our DrivenToDrive program. We are honored to work again with our great partners, AutoNation and DAV, to empower our veterans to get behind the wheel.”
“AutoNation is proud to partner with TrueCar on the DrivenToDrive program again this year and we are honored to award retired Air Force Senior Airman Karah Behrend with a brand-new vehicle for all of the sacrifices she made for our country,” said Marc Cannon, executive vice president and chief customer experience officer at AutoNation. “We are proud to recognize and support military members on Veterans Day through DrivenToDrive.”
“TrueCar understands the impact America’s veterans have had on keeping our nation safe, and DAV is honored to continue partnering with TrueCar on DrivenToDrive,” said DAV national adjutant and chief executive officer Marc Burgess. “The fact that Karah, a DAV member, has pledged to use her new vehicle to help her fellow veterans perfectly illustrates her selflessness and commitment to her brothers and sisters in arms.”
In addition to Airman Behrend, other attendees of the DrivenToDrive virtual vehicle reveal event on Veterans Day included Remsburg, Darrow, Cannon, Burgess, Iwuji, and 2019 DrivenToDrive recipient, Centra “Ce-Ce” Mazyck.
The Boise Rescue Mission women and children’s shelters need pajamas and pajama sets in all sizes year round for women, boys and girls.
Through Nov. 30 as part of its “Driven to Assist” initiative, Larry H. Miller Dealerships is hosting a pajama drive for the shelters, and on Christmas, guests staying at the organization’s City Light Home for Women and Children in Boise, and the Valley Women and Children’s Shelters in Nampa, receive a special Christmas care package with a new pair of pajamas included.
As temperatures drop, Boise Rescue Mission shelters fill up, said the mission’s president/chief executive officer, Rev. Bill Roscoe. He added that in the winter months, the shelters anticipate 400 to 500 guests per night. About 200 of those guests are women and children.
“On Christmas, we want to let these families know that we care about them and are so glad they’re staying with us, by giving them a special Christmas package including a new pair of pajamas,” Roscoe said in a news release.
Service focus areas of the mission include emergency (food and shelter), addiction recovery through a 12- or 24-month program, veterans ministry program and services to help women and children.
“We appreciate Larry H. Miller Dealerships’ continued partnership over the years, and their employees and customers supporting our families with this drive,” Roscoe said.
Through Nov. 30, members of the public can drop off donations at the following Boise locations:
— Larry H. Miller Honda: 7710 West Gratz Drive.
— Larry H. Miller Subaru: 11196 West Fairview Ave.
— Larry H. Miller Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram: 222 Auto Drive.
— Larry H. Miller Used Car Supermarket: 9380 West Fairview Ave.
“As families shelter together during the holidays, we want to do our part to help them feel warm and safe with a new pair of pajamas,” said Larry H. Miller Honda Boise general manager Brad Moore. “We hope our employees and customers will consider purchasing an extra pair while they’re doing their holiday shopping and bring these families a little bit of joy.”
Hoping to bring happiness to educators and first responders amid their workday, the Jim Ellis Buick GMC Mall of Georgia team, along with vice president Stacey Ellis, recently delivered 171 meals for the Gwinnett County Sherriff’s Office, Gwinnett County Fire Department Station 24 and teachers at Buford Elementary.
The team placed meals inside a GMC Yukon XL Denali.
Jim Ellis Buick GMC Mall of Georgia said it held the event in appreciation of police officers, teachers and first responders in its community.
Also, noting that restaurants have taken the brunt of pandemic difficulties, the team performed an additional grassroots effort to support the local economy. The team chose a local restaurant, Bare Bones Steakhouse, to prepare boxed meals for community members who are committed to the health, safety and education of Gwinnett County.
“It’s great to have the opportunity to give back to your local providers who assist you with so many things that you don’t even think about on a daily basis,” Jim Ellis Buick GMC general manager Jason Dowdy said in a news release. “From our amazing school systems to first responders. They’re always there to help us and any opportunity we get to thank them for all they do for us, we are happy to do so.”
Jim Ellis Buick GMC said it was important to support first responders and teachers and a local and family-owned restaurant to stimulate economic growth within their own backyard of Buford, Ga.
By purchasing locally, the dealership seeks to revive local businesses such as Bare Bones Steakhouse. That business recently reopened after shutting down because of COVID-19.
Tex Earnhardt loved children and was passionate about setting them up for success. He was only 20 years old when he started Earnhardt Auto Centers in Chandler, and he went on to lead the business for 60 years.
Earnhardt died in April, and Earnhardt Auto Centers, a multi-generational family business with 21 dealerships representing 17 brands in Phoenix and Las Vegas, stated that donating to the Chandler Compadres is a natural choice for the company.
Earnhardt Auto Centers and Chandler-based clothing company State Forty-Eight last week awarded more than $6,100 to the Chandler Compadres, a non-profit charitable organization that has helped children and families in need since 1980.
"The loss of such an inspirational man was devastating to the Earnhardt family, employees and the millions of people who knew of the legendary icon," Earnhardt’s grandson, Derby Earnhardt, said in a news release.
Derby Earnhardt continued, “In his memory and to shine light on Tex Earnhardt’s mark on the economic landscape of the Southwest and the hearts of Arizonans, we created the Tex Earnhardt Memorial T-shirt with State Forty-Eight."
The effort has resulted in more than 1,100 shirts sold, with every shirt earning $5 in proceeds for charity. The project was underwritten by Earnhardt Auto Centers with help from State Forty-Eight.
State Forty-Eight and Earnhardt Auto Centers designed the shirt, which shows Tex sitting upon a steer with the Arizona sky behind him. The companies initially intended for the shirt to be available for purchase in Earnhardt stores only.
But after a positive social media response, State Forty Eight began selling the shirt at its headquarters and online store.
AutoNation’s Drive Pink initiative, or DRV PNK, is personal for long-time AutoNation associate Lisa Logan, who is a breast cancer survivor.
“Sadly, just about everyone has been touched by cancer,” Logan said in a news release. “I am so proud to work for a company that not only supported me throughout my journey, but that also supports such an important cause.”
For AutoNation, that cause has reached a new milestone. The auto retailer said funds raised for cancer research and treatment through Drive Pink have surpassed $25 million.
The announcement took place as the company prepares to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
In 2015, AutoNation launched Drive Pink, which seeks to defeat cancer, create awareness, and support research. Since that time, the company says it has directed its philanthropic efforts toward driving out cancer.
This year, DRV PNK funds are being directed toward seven research projects through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
That foundation's president and chief executive officer Myra Biblowit said AutoNation has played a strong role in allowing the foundation “to be at the vanguard of every major breakthrough in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.”
AutoNation celebrates DRV PNK accomplishments every October, said AutoNation chairman and chief executive officer Mike Jackson.
“This year, we’ve taken our mission to new levels, thanks to the incredible support of our customers, our associates and our partners,” Jackson said.
AutoNation-sponsored NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers, Jack Harvey, Alexander Rossi and Marco Andretti have also joined in the breast cancer awareness efforts. They will sport pink liveries in the INDYCAR HARVEST GP Race 2 on Saturday.
“They may be competitors on the track, but off the track they are united in their commitment to help drive out cancer,” AutoNation wrote.
Preparing for the company’s annual DRV PNK Across America Day, AutoNation Associates nationwide are selecting local cancer treatment facilities to receive care bags for cancer patients. For this year’s virtual celebration, the company will ship bags and frontline caregiver appreciation treats directly to the treatment centers on behalf of the stores.
“Each year our associates look forward to delivering thousands of comfort bags to patients battling the disease,” Jackson said. “This year’s deliveries may not be in person, but the compassion, dedication and enthusiasm have not waned at all.”
