Thanks to all the wonderful sponsors of the GRACE Gala this year, and all other GRACE events and activities throughout the year. The generosity of these community-minded businesses and individuals is an inspiration to our staff who strive to make all those who support GRACE proud of the way we use their funds to help others.
This year marks the 16th GRACE Gala with Classic Chevrolet in the title position. Classic owner Tom Durant and his wife Susan are the perfect example of community-minded business owners. Very few charitable events take place in north Tarrant County without the black and red Classic logo prominently displayed.
But it is not just Classic’s dedication to their community that has made them the number one Chevy Dealer in the World and the largest Chevrolet Light and Medium Duty Dealer in the nation. It’s the staff.
Classic’s employees support the community through charitable work, and many make their community support a personal and professional goal.
“Over the 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.
A committee of Classic employees selects the charity beneficiaries each year, and recruits key vendors, volunteers, and other employees to help raise the funds.
Funds are raised through the individual gifts of Classic employees and boosted by the revenues from events such as the Classic Golf Tournament (the 13th annual tournament was held earlier in October) and the Classic Chili Cook-Off in November.
Tom and I feel the money raised by Classic employees should be given to the charity of our employees’ choice,” said Susan.
Classic’s commitment to GRACE and to the community is part of a corporate culture that recognizes goals and develops ways to meet those goals.
Classic is known as a company that is focused on achieving objectives. Their position as the nation’s top volume dealer attests to that. This same motivation fuels their giving.
“Money is going to directly help those in our community who need it most,” said Brad Roblyer, the Fleet-Commercial manager at Classic. “We’re the number one Chevrolet dealership in the nation for one reason, when we set goals we exhibit the sheer determination necessary to meet them. It’s that determination that draws us together to work for our community.”
“We encourage our employees to push themselves to achieve both our company goals and our own personal goals,” said Roblyer. “Giving back to the community has become incredibly meaningful and fulfilling for everyone.”
It is that type of dedication and generosity that comes directly from the top: Susan and Tom generously match dollar-for-dollar all of the funds raised throughout the year by their employees. Last year, they formalized their community support by establishing The Tom and Susan Durant Foundation.
“This is all about the employees’ efforts,” said Tom. “It was through their hard work that the money was raised. Our match is a way to say ‘thank you’.”
Our thanks to all Classic employees and, especially, Susan and Tom for their wise leadership and generous vision.
