Boardman car dealership 'Shares the Love' with sizeable donation

Boardman Subaru has been taking part in the Share the Love Event since 2013 and in that timeframe has raised more than $440,000 dollars for local organizations.

It's a donation that's more than just dollars, it's a lifeline.

Tuesday, Boardman Subaru presented checks totaling over $60,000 to Akron Children's Hospital Mahoning Valley and Second Harvest Food Bank. It's the largest amount ever given by the dealership in their history with the Subaru Share the Love Event.

"We don't do it for the publicity, we do it because it's a real deal, its real," Rob Fellman, Owner of Boardman Subaru said. "We want to be a good partner to the community, we want to take care of our customers and we plan on being here a long, long time."

Between November 21st and January 2nd, every new Subaru purchased or leased meant $325 donated by Subaru of America and Boardman Subaru. Another $5 was given for each qualifying service visit, all adding up to this milestone moment.

"There are thousands of people every year that are being affected and benefit from this donation," Mike Iberis, Executive Director of Second Harvest Food Bank said. "This is a big deal, when we're talking about half a million meals that go to people in need, so, it is humbling, humbling to be here, humbling to be chosen as one of the recipients."

The impact extends beyond food. Akron Children's says the funds help cover staffing, supplies, and even partnerships like a food pharmacy now operating at their Beeghly Campus, in collaboration with Second Harvest.\

"We rely heavily on philanthropy because our motto and our promise is to turn no child away so donations like this are very important to our operations," Paul Olivier, VP of Mahoning Valley Enterprises with Akron Children's said. "They help pay for things that families come to us in need and we're able to provide additional services such as through our partnership through Second Harvest Food Bank now having our food pharmacy at our Beeghly Campus, so that is another service that we can provide to our patients and families."

As inflation tightens wallets and the need grows, the support from Subaru customers, staff, and the local community ensures that hope and help keeps driving forward.