What's Happening?
The Healey Brothers Automotive Group's Driven to Give Foundation, based in Goshen, New York, is hosting its Fifth Annual Golf Outing on October 2 at Osiris Country Club in Walden, New York. This year,
the foundation has set an ambitious goal to raise a record $100,000 for Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley. This amount is projected to fund approximately 10 life-changing wishes for children in the region who are battling critical illnesses. The event brings together local businesses, community partners, employees, and supporters. Over the past five years, the Driven to Give Foundation has grown its annual golf outing into its primary fundraising event, supporting various organizations throughout the Hudson Valley, including the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, Habitat for Humanity, and Hospice of Orange & Sullivan. This year's $100,000 target represents the largest charitable gift in the foundation's history, underscoring its commitment to local philanthropic efforts. Jay Healey, chief marketing officer at Healey Brothers Automotive Group, emphasized the significance of reaching this goal, highlighting the hope and joy it would bring to local families.
Why It's Important?
This fundraising initiative is crucial for Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley, as more than 150 children across the region are currently awaiting their wishes to be granted, with 41 of those children residing in Orange and Dutchess counties alone. Each wish typically costs around $10,000, making community partnerships like this essential for the organization to fulfill its mission. The support from the Healey Brothers Automotive Group not only provides direct financial aid but also raises awareness for the critical work Make-A-Wish does in the community. Kristine Burton, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley, expressed gratitude for Healey Brothers' ongoing commitment, noting that their dedication reflects a strong investment in the communities they serve. The event also offers a powerful reminder of its impact through a presentation by a local Wish recipient, illustrating how a wish can bring hope, strength, and joy to children and their families during challenging times. This partnership exemplifies how local businesses can significantly contribute to the well-being of their communities.
What's Next?
The Fifth Annual Golf Outing is scheduled for October 2, where attendees will participate in the fundraising event. The primary focus will be on achieving the $100,000 goal to support Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley. Following the event, the funds raised will be directed towards granting wishes for children with critical illnesses in the region. The success of this outing will directly impact the number of wishes that can be fulfilled, potentially reducing the current waiting list of over 150 children. The Driven to Give Foundation, established with the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, will continue its mission of awarding grants to nonprofit organizations throughout the Hudson Valley and supporting scholarships for students pursuing careers in the automotive industry. This event also coincides with Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley's 40th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its history of granting over 3,500 wishes since 1986. The ongoing commitment from Healey Brothers and the community's support will be vital for future philanthropic endeavors.
Beyond the Headlines
The collaboration between the Healey Brothers Automotive Group and Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley highlights a broader trend of corporate social responsibility and localized philanthropy within the U.S. business landscape. By focusing on local initiatives, companies like Healey Brothers are not only contributing to immediate community needs but also fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective well-being. The emphasis on keeping charitable dollars within the Hudson Valley underscores a commitment to direct, tangible impact in the areas where employees and customers live. This model of community engagement can inspire other businesses to invest in local causes, strengthening social safety nets and supporting vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the event's tradition of featuring a Wish recipient's testimony goes beyond mere fundraising, creating an emotional connection that reinforces the human impact of these efforts. This personal touch can deepen community ties and encourage sustained support for charitable organizations, demonstrating the profound difference that localized giving can make in the lives of individuals and families.
