CarMax has announced the 12 winners of The CarMax Foundation’s CarMax Cares Community Service Award. The award, given annually now for the fifth time, is bestowed to associates across the country who are nominated by their coworkers for their own volunteer efforts and leadership in community projects.
The 12 winners were honored at the company’s largest associate recognition event in Las Vegas — each winner selected a nonprofit organization to receive a $5,000 grand on behalf of the foundation.
Below is an abridged outline from CarMax that outlines the 12 winners and the respective nonprofit organizations that each chose. For commentary from each winner, check out the full release here.
Jamie Abbott; assistant business office manager; Franklin, Tenn.
- Nominated for championing volunteer opportunities that inspire co-workers to get involved in the community and her personal passion to serve those in need as a Nashville Rescue Mission volunteer.
- Nonprofit selected for grant: Nashville Prevention Partnership
Barbara Bean; business office associate; San Antonio
- Nominated for her personal approach to getting fellow associates involved in important causes and for going above and beyond to give back to communities in need.
- Nonprofit selected for grant: Dream Factory of San Antonio
Debbie Edwards; manager, talent management; Richmond, Va.
- Nominated for creating a community service component in CarMax’s nationwide associate leadership development program, as well as her dedicated service to several nonprofit organizations in Richmond.
- Nonprofit selected for grant: Blue Sky Fund
Mike Full; sales manager; Frederick, Md.
- Nominated for his passion to serve the community, ability to inspire others to make a difference, and personal commitment to raising awareness for cancer research and traumatic brain injuries.
- Nonprofit selected for grant: Advocates for Homeless Families, Inc.
Velma Goodwater; sales manager; Federal Heights, Colo.
- Nominated for organizing a large volunteer project that included associates from the three Colorado CarMax locations benefitting Autism Society of Colorado, as well her dedicated volunteer service with Project Angel Heart.
- Nonprofit selected for grant: Center for Work Education and Employment
Dawn Maffett; management assistant; Davie, Fla.
- Nominated for playing an instrumental role in driving awareness of community needs among her co-workers, which inspires first-time volunteers and creates a sense of volunteer pride within her CarMax store.
- Nonprofit selected for grant: Ann Storck Center
Nikki Miller; CarMax Auto Finance senior specialist; Kennesaw, Ga.
- Nominated for participating in more than 10 team volunteer activities this year, as well as her personal dedication to supporting Open Hand and YES Atlanta, where she serves as a mentor.
- Nonprofit selected for grant: Trinity Rescue Inc.
Jeremy Neuman; sales manager; Urbandale, Iowa
- Nominated for his dedicated service as a board member of the Waukee Family YMCA, as well as his drive to create impactful volunteer opportunities for his co-workers.
- Nonprofit selected for grant: YMCA of Greater Des Moines
Chris Petersen; location general manager; Ontario, Calif.
- Nominated for his work to increase the community involvement of Los Angeles-area CarMax teams and his role as a board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Diego.
- Nonprofit selected for grant: Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Diego
Mike Santay; sales manager; Woodbridge, Va.
- Nominated for organizing more than 10 volunteer events throughout the year, including regular volunteer days at The House, Inc. and Prince William Senior Center at Woodbridge.
- Nonprofit selected for grant: Fairy Godmother Project
Jenn Weibel; management assistant; Gastonia, N.C.
- Nominated for rallying her co-workers around important community needs, as well as her personal dedication to helping girls build character and life skills as a Girl Scout troop leader.
- Nonprofit selected for grant: Hornets’ Nest Girl Scout Council
Kellie Wood; management assistant; Roseville, Calif.
- Nominated for developing relationships with nonprofit partners to provide meaningful volunteer experiences for her team as they make a difference in the community.
- Nonprofit selected for grant: NICU at Sutter Roseville Medical Center Foundation
Insurance Auto Auctions Inc. announced this week that it has raised over $142,000 to donate to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for the purpose of raising awareness and funds to battle childhood cancer.
Just like Alexandra Scott, the young cancer patient who the foundation is named for, the IAA raised funds via a month-long campaign of selling lemonade onsite in over 100 branch locations during auction sale days in recognition of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. To date, IAA has raised over $400,000 since it began companywide fundraising efforts for ALSF. IAA also collected cash donations as well as donated proceeds from the sale of vehicles at its auctions.
“I am proud of the enthusiasm with which IAA employees contributed toward this great cause, and I am honored by the generosity of IAA’s providers and buyers in donating vehicle sales that helped us surpass our fundraising goals by 42 percent,” said John Kett, chief executive officer and president of IAA. “Our team came together in creative and impactful ways — our Houston branch raised over $16,000 and our Orlando-North branch customized a yellow 2005 Harley Davidson with ALSF colors and decals that auction for $6,000 — all to support Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation in the fight against childhood cancer.”
Liz Scott, Alex’s mother and co-executive director of ALSF, remains thankful to the ALSF for their years of contributions to the organization.
“Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation thanks IAA for its critical support in this important fight against childhood cancer,” Scott said. “For the past few years, IAA has consistently been among our top fundraising companies, and we are pleased to continue our mission together in making a difference in the lives of children with cancer, supporting research into new treatments and cures for pediatric cancer.”
Those interested in contributing to ALSF or finding out more about the foundation can do so on its website.
MileOne Automotive announced this week it has donated a new car, for the 15th consecutive year, to the American Cancer Society for a charitable raffle. More than 7,500 raffle tickets were sold in Maryland for a shot at the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA that MileOne donated.
The raffle raised over $75,000, funds that will support the American Cancer Society endeavors to provide cancer research, free cancer support services, and screening and prevention programs.
American Cancer Society volunteers and MileOne employees teamed up to sell the raffle tickets between March and October. The winning ticket was drawn at the Baltimore Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk held on Oct. 12 at the Harry and Jeanette Family Center Y at Stadium Place.
Annette Hansen, of Baltimore, purchased her ticket from a Making Strides walk participant and cancer survivor. Hansen and her husband James accepted the prize on Dec. 3 at MileOne’s Mercedes-Benz of Owings Mills, where Hansen elected to receive a cash payout and was given a $20,000 check by Scott Fader, MileOne’s chief operating officer, Rick Astarita, the dealership’s general manager, Andrew Primrose, American Cancer Society’s senior community engagement representative, and Cate Cannavino, MileOne’s social media and events manager.
The MileOne annual car raffle began in 2000 because of former chief operating officer Jerry Fader, who lost his battle with cancer in 2011. His family, including his three sons, Steve, Scott and Brian Fader, continue his legacy through their efforts to support the American Cancer Society each year. Collectively they have raised millions of dollars in support of the ACS. They also donate van transportation for the Society’s Hope Lodge Facility in Baltimore; MileOne is the annual flagship sponsor of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk and the company took on the role of presenting sponsor this year. They are also a national corporate team sponsor of Relay for Life.
Two northeastern Manheim locations have been going to work to give back to charitable organizations during this holiday season. Manheim New York, located in Newburgh, N.Y., ran a food drive in November to support its local St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry. The auction matched the donation of food collected by its employees and its customers.
“It is always amazing to see how our employees and customers respond to the needs of those around us,” said Mark Pester, general manager of Manheim New York. “This food drive was no exception. The local food pantry at St. Francis of Assisi fills a crucial need of so many families within our community. The team at Manheim New York has supported this pantry for many years and I am extremely proud of our team’s efforts to help ease the plight of hunger in our community and to help shape a better future and a better world for those individuals who will receive these meals.”
The auction’s local St. Francis of Assisi Food Pantry helps feed an amazing figure: over 1,600 people every week.
Just an hour or two to the south, Manheim NY Metro Skyline spent the month of November participating in the viral Movember, the well-known mustache growing movement purposed to bring heightened awareness to men’s health issues, such as prostate and testicular cancer, among others.
The company, always along with its customers, united to host weekly activities throughout November, including games, sales and facilitated conversations to discuss men’s health issues. The result of their endeavors churned out over $6,000 in donations for the Movember Foundation, exceeding the company’s original fundraising goal of $5,000.
The Holman Automotive Group, along with its subsidiary ARI, announced that they have raised nearly $10,000 via donations and participation in various charitable fundraising walks during October and November. An approximated 200 employees of both Holman and ARI, along with family and friends, walked more than 700 miles in support of the variety of causes.
“Our philanthropic endeavors always have been and will remain a core component of our corporate philosophy and I continue to be amazed by our employees’ dedication to this shared vision,” said Mindy Holman, president and chief executive officer of Holman Automotive. “We are incredibly proud of their generosity and commitment to each of these organizations that directly impact the community in which we live and work. It is an honor to support these remarkable charitable initiatives and we look forward to continuing to do so for many years to come.”
According to the company, the two groups participated in the following charity events:
- Making Strides Against Breast Cancer — The American Cancer Society events took place on Oct. 19 in Ocean City, N.J., as well as Oct. 26 at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, N.J., raising funds and awareness to support the fight against breast cancer. Holman and ARI have supported this inspiring walk for more than 20 years.
- The Southern NJ Fall Heart Walk — The event, which took place Oct. 25 at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, N.J., supports the American Heart Association.
- JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes — Employees, family and friends participated in the walk which helps to raise funds for the millions of people living with and affected by Type 1 diabetes. The event was held at the Waterfront at the Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden, N.J. on Oct. 26.
- Walk to End Alzheimer’s — The walk helps to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s efforts to raise money and awareness to support research to treat and prevent Alzheimer’s. This year’s event took place on Nov. 9 at Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia.
Employees were also given the opportunity to purchase handmade bracelets with corresponding colors to their respective causes of choice. A pumpkin decorating contest was also held with $5 donations as entry, proceeds of which were divided amongst each of the charity walks. The final tally: five events, approximately 200 participants, 700 miles of collective walking, and $10,000 raised for the four organizations.
The Pennsylvania Department of General Services announced this week that it will be hosting the final state vehicle auction of the year on Tuesday. The auction, which will feature nearly 500 vehicles for public bidding at the Manheim Central Penn Auto Auction, was featuring a preview period through Monday.
“We are closing out the year with a wide variety of vehicles for interested buyers,” said Sheri Phillips, the state’s general services secretary. “As always, we look to offer quality vehicles at a fair price. And with the holidays approaching, this auction is a great opportunity to find a really nice gift for someone special.”
Featured vehicles will include those seized by local law enforcement as well as trucks, SUVs, sedans, motorcycles and other types of vehicles used by state agencies. The vehicle preview will occur daily from 9 a.m. (EST) to 4 p.m. at Manheim Central Penn Auto Auction. The auction itself will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday with registration beginning at 8 a.m. and closing at noon.
In other Pennsylvania auction news, the owners of the Corry Auto Dealers Exchange donated $14,500 to its local Park United Methodist Church to help make a Thanksgiving wish become a reality. The donation helped provide more than 50,000 meals via the international charity Stop Hunger Now.
“We set a goal we knew exceeded our budget,” said Rick King, the church’s mission chair. “Corry Auto Dealers Exchange wrote a check to sponsor this event for us. It was a fantastic blessing for the congregation of Park Church and the community of North East.”
Tad Swift, the auction manager at CADE, believed the gesture was the simply the right thing to do.
“As a local business, we feel it is important to give back,” Swift said. “Hunger is rampant. Being part of this effort made a difference to our local church and, more importantly, to people thousands of miles away. This was a great opportunity to express our gratitude in a truly meaningful way.”
Manheim Pennsylvania’s six weeks of charitable endeavors in its local Lancaster County continues throughout the month of December with a focus on several charities.
The events rolled out in November with the company’s Veteran’s Day celebrations, where 2,000 flags were installed around its more-than-400-acre facility in honor of Lancaster County veterans, along with donations topping $2,500 to go to Wreaths Across America and Vet21Salute, a local military honor guard.
“Manheim Pennsylvania has been a valuable part of Lancaster County for nearly 70 years,” said Julie Picard, Manheim Pennsylvania’s vice president and general manager. “For many years our employees and customers have helped support our veterans and local organizations that help so many families during the holidays.”
Manheim’s involvement with Wreaths Across America will continue on Dec. 13 when the auction participates in the organizations wreath-laying ceremony at Ford Indiantown Gap Cemetery in Annville, Pa., where auction employees and customers alike will provide 100 wreaths to be laid at graves of 100 veterans.
The company’s dedication to veterans has been a stalwart attribute for Manheim: for the past three years, Manheim Pennsylvania and its employees have raised more than $180,000 in support of several veterans’ organizations, such as Keystone Wounded Warriors and the Wounded Warrior Project.
Manheim Pennsylvania’s contributions also extend to others in need, including organizations such as Toys for Tots and the Manheim Central Food Pantry.
“We are so pleased to partner with Manheim Pennsylvania and its employees,” said Carol Sumner, Manheim Central Food Pantry’s coordinator. “Our food pantry counts on the financial support and donations of area businesses and individuals. The generosity of many helps us to provide food to needy families or individuals residing in the Manheim Central School District.”
The company serves as a collection location for Toys for Tots, where it will be taking in toy donations until Dec. 12 and monetary donations through Dec. 23. Manheim also hosted a successful food drive at the end of November; those interested in making a donation to their local food pantry can do so here.
It’s been a busy time for the Brasher’s family of auctions, who have had seven different auction locations throughout the West celebrating anniversaries recently, following alongside the group’s 65th birthday this year. The final celebration, held at the end of October, was at Brasher’s Sacramento Auto Auction.
Featuring a party sale with nearly 1,000 bidders, the Sacramento, Calif. location funneled more than 2,800 vehicles through its lanes, with featured consignors from Ford, Ford Credit, Wells Fargo, Lobel Financial, Santander Consumer USA, Chrysler Capital, Wheels, Enterprise and Hertz, along with new and used deals from throughout the region.
The event was host to several incentives, including free barbecue lunch in the lanes and prize drawings at the end of the day, including 49ers football tickets, barbecue grills and smokers, outdoor furniture and a full outdoor barbecue kitchen.
“What a wonderful industry we’ve been a part of all these years,” said John Brasher, third-generation Brasher family business member. “We’re proud of the legacy established by our grandparents, Frank and Esther Brasher, and are excited to see that members of the fourth generation of our family are now joining us at the auction.”
Community Outreach at Flint
Just north of the Motor City, Flint Auto Auction continues its heritage of community outreach with its support of the American Cancer Society. Decked out in Flint Auto Auction swag, 30 auction employees laced up their athletic shoes hit the pavement at the 2014 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk held in Flint, Mich. in mid-October.
Wearing hoodies, scarves, baseball caps and beanies fused with Flint and breast cancer awareness insignia, the employees participated in the walk with a total donation of $2,000 to the American Cancer Society. Auction owners Bill Williams and John Luce contributed to the donation by matching funds raised by the employees.
Manheim is getting the ball rolling early with the holiday festivities via its "Dashing Through The Lanes" campaign, which began Monday.
Taking place through Dec. 22, employees and customers at all 78 of Manheim’s North American operating locations will have the chance to donate to that auction’s charity of choice and sign a card to be hung on the wall. The event will also feature special promotions, daily giveaways and auction events to help dealers fill their lots for next year.
“We value our customers and wanted to express our thanks through this campaign for their support throughout the year,” said Stephen Smith, Manheim North America’s senior director of customer marketing. “These donations will make a difference to the many charities that rely on corporate and individual donations to support their valuable programs.”
The campaign will also feature a wreath contest for auction employees, using tires to create holiday-themed wreaths out of more than 100 tires that already needed to be recycled. Interested parties can view the wreaths on Instagram via the #manheimmoments hashtag.
“This campaign salutes our customers who continue to make their business a priority during the busy holiday season,” Smith said.
Dealers can register for daily prizes here.
CarMax Inc. announced today the opening of its second store in Raleigh, N.C. The store, with more than 50,000 square feet, sits on over 16 acres of space and stocks more than 300 used vehicles.
In preparation of the store’s opening, CarMax plans to donate $5,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Wake County. One of the club’s locations is also where a recent CarMax volunteer event took place, where employees helped children with homework, played sports and helped create art and holiday decorations projects.
“At CarMax, our associates care deeply about where we live and work, and we continue to make it a priority to support our community,” John Robinson, the location’s new general manager, said. “Nobody understands customers better than we do, so we look forward to matching customers with their perfect car at our second Raleigh location.”
But that’s just the beginning of CarMax’s philanthropic endeavors in the area. Other such activities, according to the company, include:
- $15,000 grant to the Boys & Girls of Wake County for Project Learn
- $85,000 invested in building a playground in Wake County, completed last month
The construction of the local playground was in partnership with PLM Families Together and KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit helping provide kids with a place to play. The local playground’s construction is part of a larger, $4.1 million national partnership between The CarMax Foundation and KaBOOM!, which was designed to build 30 playgrounds nationwide.
