During the season of giving we love to shop around. We look for the best deals on products, services, vacations, and stay-cations. But it’s important to spend our money locally, where the results can be seen in the lives of co-workers, friends and neighbors. Even if you can’t donate cash, organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County (BGCTC) greatly benefit from your time and talents. They’ve recently received such a gift partnering with the generous souls at Bron’s Automotive.
The initial meeting was simple. “We started by being invited to the BGCTC morning fundraiser breakfast by a West Olympia Rotary friend, Katya Miltmore, who was the executive director at the time,” explains Bron’s Automotive Service Manager, Joey Crider. “That’s when Bron learned what they did in the community. A short time later, Bron’s daughter Emilia Snow worked at the Lacey location as part of her AmeriCorps service. One day, Bron did a house call on one of their broken vans that had originally been in his fleet when he worked for Intercity Transit. He got a tour and primer on the different things that Boys & Girls Clubs did. After that Bron’s Automotive started to sponsor their fundraisers.”
But more than sponsorship, Joey and the staff get their hands dirty as well. “We do everything from basic maintenance, like oil changes and tune ups, up to heavy repairs,” he says. “But, mostly we are there for them when they need something done on one of their vehicles. Our mission is to ensure the safety of the vans, and be as fiscally responsible as we can to help offset costs. That money can then be put towards other program offerings, or whatever need they may have.”
“The entire team has been amazing,” says BGCTC Director of Operations, Shellica Trevino. “They work to get us in and out quickly as they know we have kids to transport, and they go above and beyond to partner with other companies to get us the best deals, at times securing donated parts on our behalf. It is a relief to know that they are working with the best interest of our youth in mind.
“The team at Bron’s services our entire fleet of vehicles, they offer us a consistent discount, and they keep track of all services. This is beneficial for us and them. We patronize their business regularly which supports them and their employees, and they support us through in-kind work, which helps us stretch our resources and serve the kids and teens who need us most.”
Crider and his team agree. “Working with organizations like this are an important part of who we are, it’s in our DNA,” he says. “Bron’s has been fortunate to have loyal customers who have supported us for years. This enables us to help or assist organizations who support our community. We enjoy the partnership and relish in the ability to help change someone’s life for the better. I think Bron’s Automotive has a responsibility to support the community when able. We are happy to be able to serve, and hope to be able to serve for many more years to come. The partnership between the community and Bron’s Automotive strengthens our ability to do just that.”
All kids are welcome at the Boys & Girls Club of Thurston County. “Fifty percent of the kids and teens we serve are from low income circumstances,” Trevino explains. “We focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character, and citizenship. Through supportive relationships we are able to impact families year round. We serve 700 kids and teens each day throughout Thurston County, and currently have seven locations. All kids are eligible to be members of the Boys & Girls Club, and all kids benefit from additional mentoring.”
director of operations and grateful for community partnerships like Bron’s. Photo courtesy: Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County
And they’re not the only group that benefits from Bron’s Automotive’s generosity. “Besides giving BGCTC a deep discount for work we perform, we have also been able to get a similar or pro bono discount when our shop has had to sublet a portion of the work to other local businesses, like Zeigler’s Welding or Quality Muffler and Brake,” says Crider. “We also try to sponsor fundraisers when possible and Bron currently serves on the Behavioral Resources Foundation Board.”
If your business—or someone you know—might like to donate services, the BGCTC is always looking for new partners. “Donating services to Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County is always an option, we do receive this type of support from different kinds of providers,” says Trevino. “We are grateful for all of them. These types of contributions allow us to stretch our dollars, which is instrumental in the work we do.” To learn more, reach out to Mindy Crump, director of resource development, at mcrump@bgctc.org or 360-956-0755 or Shellica Trevino, director of operations, at strevino@bgctc.org or 360-956-0755.
Follow Bron’s Automotive and the BGCTC on Facebook for hours, contact information, updates, and ways to help. Every little bit counts when dedicated to the lives of our kids and working together we can create a better tomorrow.
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