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With the GRACE Gala merely a few weeks away, thanks—once again, and for the 17th year—are given to our friends at Classic Chevrolet. Not only is it the number one Chevy dealership in the world, Classic is number one in our hearts here at GRACE, and in the lives of thousands of GRACE client families.
Classic Chevrolet owners Susan and Tom Durant call their employees to charitable work, and their employees have made the GRACE mission a personal crusade.
Classic’s dedication to GRACE is seemingly unlimited. In addition to nearly two decades as the gala title sponsor, Classic maintenance division regularly provides service on GRACE delivery trucks and other vehicles. Classic sales managers have been instrumental in finding and refurbishing good used vehicles for GRACE at greatly reduced costs.
This type of dedication speaks of a generous, resolute corporate culture that recognizes goals and develops ways to meet those goals. Brad Roblyer of Classic Chevrolet Fleet and Commercial explains, “We encourage our employees to push themselves to achieve not only our company goals, but their own personal goals as well. Giving back to the community has become incredibly important and fulfilling for our entire organization.”
Classic Chevrolet is known as a company that is focused on achieving objectives. Their position as the world’s top Chevy dealer attests to that. This same motivation fuels their giving.
“Over the past few years, it’s been a sheer pleasure to see how our employees have so fully embraced the spirit of giving back to our community,” said Susan Durant. In recent years, Susan and Tom formed a foundation to boost their charitable work in the community.
“This money is going to directly help those in our community that need it most,” said Bently Durant, the Durant’s son, and a member of the GRACE Board of Directors. “We’re the number one Chevrolet dealership for a reason, when we set goals, we exhibit the sheer determination necessary to meet them. It’s that determination that draws us together for the good of our community.”
GRACE is but one of many local charities benefiting from Classic’s generosity. Food for the Soul, 6 Stones Mission Network, Community Storehouse, The Clubhouse for Special Needs, and Chari-T2000 are some of the other agencies that have received support.
The foundation’s recipients usually include organizations that combat hunger, poverty, and homelessness, and those that serve children and adults with disabilities, and military and veteran families.
Classic’s resolve to achieve charitable goals comes directly from their employees. Classic staff mounts and participates in numerous fundraising events throughout the year, such as the annual Classic Chevrolet Charity Golf Tournament, wine tastings, and chili cook-offs.
In turn, a committee of Classic employees selects the charity beneficiaries each year, and recruits key vendors, volunteers and other employees to help raise the funds. “Tom and I felt the money they raised [through these events] be given to the charity of our employees’ choice,” said Susan.
As is their tradition, Susan and Tom match their employees’ contributions dollar-for-dollar. “This is all about the employees’ efforts,” said Tom. “It was through their hard work that the money is raised. All I do is match it.”
Mr. Durant, here at GRACE we believe you do more—much, much more! Thanks for all you do!
