CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Philanthropy has always been a cornerstone of Stephen Wade’s business operation. Stephen Wade Auto Center is known for its long history of charitable giving in Southern Utah, with a particular focus on initiatives and organizations that benefit the community’s youth.
During the recent holiday season, Southern Utah’s auto mall invited customers to join them in the Spirit of Giving to support four local charities making a difference in the lives of homeless and at-risk students. Stephen Wade Auto Center pledged to donate a portion of the profits from every new and used vehicle sold during the entire month of December, which amounted to a total of $32,000.
“We were hoping to donate $20,000,” public relations director Jamie Bahlmann said. “That was our goal initially, so to raise $32,000 was very exciting.”
Last week, Stephen Wade Auto Center delivered checks for $8,000 to Switchpoint, Youth Futures, the Washington County Children’s Justice Center and the Washington County School District Foundation.
Switchpoint addresses poverty by creating a comprehensive plan to support individuals and families on their journey to self-sufficiency. The organization operates an emergency shelter, food pantry, soup kitchen and the Stepping Stones 24/7 child care facility in St. George, along with providing referrals for affordable housing and other services.
Acting as a safe haven in times of crisis, Youth Futures offers shelter, guidance and resources to at-risk youth ages 12-18. Drop-in services allow kids to access food, clothing, hygiene items, laundry facilities, computer stations and case management on a daily basis.
After experiencing abuse or other crimes, the Washington County Children’s Justice Center offers a warm, welcoming place where kids and families can begin their healing journey. A multidisciplinary team provides interviews, victim advocacy, medical care and trauma-focused mental health care.
The Washington County School District Foundation funds numerous initiatives to enhance the quality of education for area students. Available in every school, the Counselor’s Closet program collects items that at-risk youth may be lacking at home and provides these resources to the counselors to distribute as needed.
“The goal is for every student to start off learning on an equal playing field so they can feel safe, welcome and included,” said Steve Dunham, director of communications for the Washington County School District. “We don’t want them to feel less than their peers because they’re going through a hard situation at home.”
Stephen Wade Auto Center also collected essential items for families in need through their eighth annual Wish Trees fundraising drive over the holidays. Donated products were distributed just in time for Christmas to the same four organizations, all of which rely on the community’s generosity to keep their shelves stocked with sleeping bags, jackets, gloves, socks, snacks, cleaning supplies, hygiene products and more.
Stephen Wade Auto Center is always working to build stronger kids, families and neighborhoods. Supported by generations of loyal customers, they’ve been giving back to Southern Utah for nearly 30 years and don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. Next, they’ll be sponsoring the Dixie Kite Festival to promote early childhood literacy.
“We’re very involved in the community,” Bahlmann said. “It’s an ongoing process. We’re always looking for ways to help.”
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Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
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Resources
- Stephen Wade Auto Center | Address: 150 Auto Mall Drive, St. George | Telephone: 435-222-7605 | Website.
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