Gillman Automotive Group

Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels recently joined forces with Gillman Subaru of Houston Southwest, to compete in Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA)'s "Most Meals" Contest as part of Subaru of America, Inc.'s "Share The Love" Holiday Event. MOWAA plans to award $150,000 in "Most Meals" grants to Meals On Wheels programs throughout the country that recruit dealership employees to volunteer, deliver meals in Subaru vehicles, and engage community members in the fight to end senior hunger.

As part of the competition, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels partnered with Gillman Subaru of Houston Southwest during the holiday season to help load up the volunteers' cars with meals that were delivered to home-bound senior adults.


Saba Barari-Gillman Subaru; Kristin Weiss-Director of Development at Fort Bend Seniors Meals onWheels; Issac Goodall-Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels; Wally Elostaz-General Manager at Gillman Subaru; and Jesse Coreas-Gillman Subaru are ready to load up the meals for the homebound senior adults in Fort Bend County.

Wally Elostaz-General Manager at Gillman Subaru with Kristin Weiss-Director of Development at Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels and Issac Goodall-Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels.

Wally Elostaz-General Manager at Gillman Subaru shows Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels volunteer, Charlotte Childers, a new Subaru with Jesse Coreas-Gillman Subaru.

 
 "Most Meals" grants awarded by MOWAA to select participating Meals On Wheels programs will range between $500 to $5,000. The country's economic downturn has made it more difficult to raise money to continue feeding the community's homebound seniors adults. If awarded funds, Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels will use the monies to continue to provide daily nutritious meals to the senior adults in Fort Bend and Waller counties.

Houston-area Subaru owners and enthusiasts, along with car lovers and automobile experts, turned out by the hundreds for the Gillman Subaru Big Event 3. As a result, this day-long activity outdrew, outperformed, and overwhelmed the success of the previous two Gillman Subaru Big Events. Records were set in every category from vehicles on display to attendance to participation in the Subaru Shop Day! In short, thanks to all who came out and to those who supported this dynamic event. It was a huge, bigger than imagined success.


 
David Higgins, Subaru Rally Team USA driver and the 2011 Rally American National Champion, wowed and charmed the crowd, enthusiastically signing autographs and posing for pictures with attendees. Another huge draw was the unveiling of the all-new 36-miles-per-gallon 2012 Subaru Impreza. Crowd reception can be summed up in one comment heard over and over again."Wow!"


The Gillman Subaru Shop Day portion of the program allowed Subaru owners to use the Gillman Subaru shop and tools to work on their vehicles. Advice and support were offered by the great team of Gillman Subaru technicians.

While the talented group on the bandstand provided music to keep the excitement at high levels, spectators roamed among the more than 50 vehicles on display that were being judged for excellence. Trophies and special prizes were awarded to outstanding entries.

A strong sports program enriches a school district and the community as a whole. The Gillman Chevrolet and Honda dealerships in the Rio Grande Valley recognize this fact. So when the Harlingen, Texas Independent School District began seeking support for their sports activities, the Gillman dealerships embraced the opportunity to serve their community. The dealerships became the main sponsor for this very worthy effort.  Being recognized for their efforts at the Harlingen ISD Sponsor Appreciation Night was highly appreciated. But the true excitement from this sponsorship is knowing more kids get a chance to participate in character building activities.


Pictured: Scott Dupons, Partner and General Manager of the Gillman Rio Grande Valley dealerships, and his wife Cynthia, accept a special award from Harlingen ISD!

The Gillman dealerships are dedicated to being good neighbors in the communities they serve. So when the new Seabourne Creek Sports Complex was completed in Rosenberg, Chris Gillman, Executive Vice-President of the Gillman Companies and General Manager of Gillman Honda in Fort Bend County, added Gillman support to the Rosenberg National Little League, Inc. This fine group provides baseball opportunities to some 400 boys and girls annually through both baseball and softball programs. In addition to sponsoring the scoreboard, the Gillman Honda and Nissan dealerships also received on-field recognition of their support.

Gillman Chevrolet in the Rio Grande Valley gave away a Camaro convertible miniature car to the lucky winner of a special drawing. This lucky 6 year old rode off in his new Camaro to the applause of all involved!

Acura is a participating sponsor of the movies made using Marvel Comics hero characters and the films feature Acura models in the story.

Cars lined Lake Woodlands Drive, as dogs and their owners enjoyed the 7th annual Spring Bark at Northshore Park in The Woodlands in May 2011.  The annual event raises awareness and funding for the Lone Star Animal Welfare League's Fixing Montgomery County spay and neuter program and this year around $32,000.  The money raised from the Spring Bark event is donated to animal clinics to help hire additional veterinarians, pay for inoculations and for vouchers.

 
The 2011 Spring Bark event featured 32 sponsors and 10 non-profit organizations, including Gillman Subaru North, offering educational content and free goods to local dog owners. This year, for the first time at Spring Bark, featured 27 participants for a world qualifying event for the United Frisbee Dog Operations. There were also pet contests, a silent auction, raffles, and a pavilion for volunteers to interact with attendees.

Subaru was the main sponsor of the event for the third year and Diego Montoya, district sales manager for Subaru of America, and Yeong Won, general manager of Gillman Suburu North, were happy to participate in this admirable cause.

It was a great way to "go to the dogs" and Gillman Subaru led the way!

 
For more information on Spring Bark and LSAWL, go to www.twdpc.org.

The Gillman Automotive Group through their "Gillman Care's Program" partnered with NBC's Today Show "Lend a Hand Charity" to surprise a local Houston charity, Casa de Esperanza - De Los Ninos- The House of Hope for Children. As a part of their in-kind donation, Gillman Auto Group will help further support Casa de Esperanza and its endeavor to care for children by providing them with a Chrysler Town and Country van.

The Today Show aired live today from the Houston based charity neighborhood. "Lend a Hand" is a series on the NBC Today Show where Al Roker travels to 5 cities in 5 days helping out 5 charities. Today's sponsors, including Gillman Automotive Group, generously donated a total of  $2.7 million in goods to Casa de Esperanza.


Active in multiple philanthropic causes, Stacey Gillman Wimbish, President of Gillman Auto Group, was enthusiastic about making this donation. "Gillman Auto Group is excited by this opportunity to support Casa de Esperanza and provide them with a vehicle that will enable them to further their dedication to children in need," said Wimbish.
          
Al Roker and NBC's Today Show took over Houston on June 15th as part of the 10th Annual "Lend a Hand Charity" event in hopes of providing Casa de Esperanza with the means to grow their outstanding organization. "It is and honor and a privilege for Gillman Auto Group to represent the local Houston business community in something that makes such an impact on bettering the lives of these children," noted Patrick York, Gillman Auto Group Chief Operating Officer

Al's Lend a Hand tour rolled into town today, day 3 of the 5 day journey, where he broke the single-day record with the $2.7 million in donations to the local Houston, TX organization, Casa de Esperanza de los Ninos - The House of Hope for Children. Several hundred volunteers, along with Country Superstar, Clay Walker, and Houston Rockets and Astros athletes were there to lend a hand while Jenna Bush Hager and Al Roker revealed all of the donations and surprised co-founder Kathy Foster and all of the volunteers of Casa de Esperanza.  Al Roker and Chris Gillman along with Clay Walker revealed the van donated by the Gillman Auto Group on air on the Today Show.


About Casa De Esparanza
Casa de Esperanza de los Niños-the House of Hope for Children-is a safe place for children in crisis due to abuse, neglect or the effects of HIV. Casa de Esperanza provides residential, medical and psychological care according to the needs of each child.

Texas Adaptive Aquatics (TAA) allows individuals with physical or mental disabilities the opportunity to discover the thrill and excitement found in water skiing, sailing, and kayaking. Founded in 1989, TAA offers programs that have introduced thousands of handicapped men, women, and children throughout the United States to aquatic sports activities.

A donation from the Gillman Companies and a donation-matching challenge by Christopher Gillman bring the annual TAA fund-raising Rod Ryan Golf Tournament closer to attaining its support goals.   

In response to the disastrous earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, Subaru of America offered to match all donations made by U.S. Subaru dealers to assist in the recovery effort. The Subaru National Dealer Advisory Board agreed to coordinate this activity and called upon its 622 dealers to participate. Gillman Companies made pledges in behalf of all three Gillman Subaru dealerships to support this worthy cause.

Our sincere wishes and hopes for a rapid recovery go out to all those who suffered a loss in this cataclysmic disaster.

The Texana Center is a nonprofit organization making a positive difference in the lives of those with behavioral health care issues or disabilities challenges. This organization, headquartered in Rosenberg, Texas, was founded in 1999. Today the staff of over 350 dedicated individuals aid more than 4,000 people each month.

In recognition of support from Gillman Honda and Gillman Nissan, as well as the Gillman Companies, a circular drive at the Texana Center's new West Campus was named for gillmanauto.com.
It's a singular honor and the best wishes from the entire Gillman team go to the Texana Center.

Christopher Gillman, Executive Vice-President of the Gillman Companies and Gillman Honda Fort Bend General Manager, under the new sign.

The Gillman Nissan New Owner Clinics continue to be very well received and, from comments of those attending, are both interesting and educational. In addition to being an excellent aid in assisting new owners in getting the most from their great Nissan vehicles, these events help form a bond between the Gillman Nissan team and customers.

Allyson ?Missy? Morrow and Gerald Gathright, with the Boys & Girls Club of Harlingen, took a moment to express their sincere appreciation for the Gillman Companies Rio Grande Valley dealerships? support of their football program.
The fine staff of the Boys & Girls Club is dedicated to providing safe places for children to learn and grow.

It?s a long way from Texas to Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ghazni in Afghanistan. But that distance was bridged by the entire Gillman team when they collected and packaged 35 large care kits for the staff and patients at that FOB.  
Pictured L-R: Elaine Drury, Maria Lopez, Jody Valentine, Liz Solis Carrillo, and Claire Mullins.

According to a letter from Major Meliza Harris, who signs herself as ?big sister to Diana Flores? (who is with Gillman Chevrolet), ?Sometimes we get guys airvac?d in and they come with just the clothes on their back. The trial size personal products were a blessing.?

Gillman teams in Houston, San Antonio, and the Rio Grande Valley put together 35 packages. Jody Valentine, Liz Solis Carrillo and the hard working Human Resources crew in Houston rifled them out the door. A big thanks to Greg Duckworth, Gillman Honda Houston Parts Manager, and his staff for loading trucks. Patricia Kately took the monumental task of working out required postage and James Rutledge provided the customs forms and boxes.
Pictured L-R: Debi Rivera, Norma Caballero, Rosie Castillo, and Eddica Gutierrez. 

In keeping with the Gillman Companies tradition of being a great neighbor and supporting local events, the Gillman Rio Grande Valley dealerships literally bannered the bandstand to provide music for the Willacy County Livestock Show. This annual affair is a fixture in South Texas among the important farming and animal husbandry communities.

On January 5, 2011, Ramsay Gillman and the Gillman Auto Group made it possible for Combat Marine Outdoors to have their first "All-Terrain Wheel Chair" appropriately named the 'Gillman.'  This chair will be used by Marines who have been disabled in combat and allow them to participate in various outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. This has already proven to be a valuable vehicle in the field with the transportation of the Amputee and Special Needs Patients within the organization.

The unveiling of the 'Gillman' took place at Gillman Honda Southwest Dealership with a commemorative ceremony where Ramsay Gillman was awarded a plaque with a genuine Marine Corps K-bar knife by Rusty Hicks, President of Combat marine Outdoors and presented by Gunnery Sergeant Allen of the United States Marine Corps.    

The ABC-TV 13 Annual Share Your Holidays Food Drive got a huge boost from all the Gulf Coast Honda Dealers. Gillman Honda Fort Bend and Gillman Honda Houston team members pitched in with their hearts as well as time and money. The good folks at ABC 13 expressed their appreciation for the amount of food collected. A huge ?Way to go!? to everyone who took part in making a happier holiday for hundreds of Houston area families! Gillman Honda Joins KTRK-TV in Holiday Food Drive! Lynn Deusner, Excell Manager for Gillman Honda Fort Bend, and Julia Unay, Excell Manager for Gillman Honda Houston, led the teams from both stores.
 

On November 16,2010 Gillman Honda of Ft. Bend held a Car Care Clinic for new customers to learn more about their new vehicles. Attendance was excellent, valuable information was exchanged. Owners showed their brand loyalty, and someone even went home with a TV as Grand Prize winner! It was an informative, fun-packed evening for recent Gillman Honda customers who enthusiastically turned out.

Left, Gillman Honda Fort Bend customer and fan Allyson Cannon wore a special T-shirt to the event. She is seen here with Chris Gillman, Vice-President of the Gillman Companies and General Manager of Gillman Honda Fort Bend.

In the annual Houston Chronicle survey of area companies, The Gillman Automotive Group was recognized as one of the Top 100 Workplaces. The ranking, based on a study done by the research group Workplace Dynamics, included 1,352 for-profit and nonprofit organizations, made up of small, medium, and mid-size establishments.

According to Patrick York, Gillman Auto Group Chief Operating Officer, ?We were the only privately held business to be ranked among the Top 100 Workplaces. We were the only automobile dealer on the list as well. Gillman has always been an industry leader in providing team members with top facilities, a strong benefit package, and opportunity for advancement.?

In selecting the 100 Houston-area companies as great places to be employed, Workplace Dynamics sorted through more than 50,000 responses from individuals who participated in the study. The awards were presented at a special evening event held on November 4th in downtown Houston.

Stacey Gillman Wimbish, President of the Gillman Auto Group, noted, ?The recognition was for our Houston and Fort Bend dealerships along with our corporate offices. The same policies, organizational spirit, and determination to provide an exceptional workplace environment are seen in our San Antonio and Rio Grande Valley locations as well.?

Jody Valentine, Director of Human Resources said ?What really makes this company is our employees.  Mutual respect between fellow employees and customers, along with dedicated hard work, makes Gillman Automobile a great place to work.?

This survey is sponsored annually by the Houston Chronicle newspaper and is recognized as one of the top evaluation programs in the country.

The 15th Annual Gillman Companies Charitable Golf Tournament was held recently at the Sweetwater County Club and included more than 150 golfers including many Ramsay Gillman was joined by daughter Stacey Gillman Wimbish, and sons, Jason and Chris, Gillman employees, vendors and sponsors who enjoyed the day's activities. The event, which also featured a live auction, raffle, putting contest and awards presentation, benefited the Fort Bend County Women?s Center.

More than $60,000 was raised for the Women?s Center thanks in large part to the sponsorships of Corporate sponsors Service Group and Bank of America; Dinner sponsor Americredit; Lunch sponsor McAlister?s Deli of Rosenberg; Awards sponsor Houston Chronicle; Eagle sponsors Consolidated Home Health, Manheim Houston and Subaru Motors Finance; 19th Hole sponsor Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Martin; and Putting Contest sponsor AutoTrader.com, along with many other corporate sponsors who sponsored beverages and donated raffle items.

  
For more than 30 years, the Fort Bend County Women?s Center has served the community and has helped more than 30,000 women and children achieve violence-free lifestyles.  For more information about the center or the services it offers, call 281-344-5750 or visit http://fortbendwomenscenter.org .

The Gillman Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge/Ram team hosted a Car Care Clinic for new owners. Turnout was terrific at this newest Gillman dealership. Attendees learned how to help keep their new vehicles running like new for years!

Subaru of America, Wally Elostaz, the Gillman Subaru team, and hundreds of great Subaru owners, wannabe Subaru owners, Subaru admirers, and friends made it happen once and it was great! On Saturday,August 21, 2010, they did it again?only bigger and better than before. What did they do? They put on the second edition of what has been called one of the major car enthusiast fun days in the entire Houston area! The ?Big Event 2? with Subaru Rally Team Driver Dave Mirra and the unveiling of the all new 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX kicked off the action. Also included was the famous ?Shop Day,? where Subaru owners got to work on their vehicles under the guidance of the manufacturer-trained Gillman Subaru technicians. It was a great happening with more than 100 vehicles on display for the car show portion of the event. Judging from the enthusiastic comments of the multitude in attendance, everyone would like to see this become an annual event.

A show for automotive classics and enthusiast cars? Great idea. Great turnout, too! And no wonder?lots of fine machines to appreciate, a super lunch during this exceptional event, coupons for free oil changes, and trophies for the winning vehicles in each class. All in attendance left excited and pleased. And the new Gillman Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealership gained recognition from an influential part of the Houston-area car lovers? group.

When the call went out, Gillman team members once again came through for the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. On September 29, 2010, at Gillman Honda in Houston, 21 donors kept the Center?s staff busy from 8:30 in the morning until well after 11:00.

Participation in organized sporting events has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to build character in our young people.  Gillman Chevrolet in Harlingen and San Benito partnered with Harlingen Youth Football to provide the league?s players and coaches with equipment, a monetary donation, and a chance to raise up to $10,000.
 
In support of San Benito and Harlingen?s youth, Gillman Chevrolet provided Harlingen Youth Football with football kits filled with equipment bags, 5-gallon water coolers, dry erase coaches? clipboards, and t-shirts.

Gillman Chevrolet in the Rio Grande Valley also joined with the Chevrolet Youth Soccer Program to sponsor the Arroyo Youth Soccer Club.

Left: Enthusiastic players from the Arroyo Youth Soccer Club.

Gillman Chevrolet in the Rio Grande Valley has made a long term commitment to the soccer club. This is one more demonstration of Gillman community spirit and willingness to be involved in youth athletics.

Troy Schroeder, Service Manager for Gillman Honda Fort Bend, was elected Council Chair for the Lamar High School Automotive Technician NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) Advisory Council. This organization is instrumental in training the vehicle technicians of tomorrow. Troy?s dedication to assisting this fine group exemplifies the Gillman spirit of giving back to the communities we are privileged to serve.

Gillman Subaru and Golden Beginnings welcomed author David Rosenfelt as he presented Dog Tags, the latest novel in his Andy Carpenter series, featuring the smart-mouthed attorney and his beloved rescued golden retriever Tara. David is passionate about Golden Retrievers and rescue, and he and his wife share their California home with around 30 senior and special needs dogs.  Visit www.davidrosenfelt.com  to learn more this author and his novel.

Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue  is a non-profit organization, staffed solely by volunteers, devoted to providing rescue and necessary veterinary medical care for unwanted, neglected, abused, homeless and displaced Golden Retrievers. We strive to place our Goldens in adoptive homes where they will receive a lifetime of love.  Visit www.gbgrr.org  for further details on this organization. 

The event was held Saturday, Aug 28, 2010 and hosted by Gillman Subaru and Golden Beginnings.  If was a successful event with featured Guest Speaker David Rosenfelt and delicious food, a fun raffle and a silent auction.  Gillman Subaru donated leashes, beds and other "dog" oriented supplies to help them with their mission.

It was a huge success! On Tuesday, July 13, 2010, the Gillman Nissan dealership was packed with loyal new Nissan owners who responded to an invitation to learn and enjoy all of the features of their new vehicles. Food, fun, refreshments, prizes, and surprises were plentiful.

Hosted by Gillman Nissan General Manager Pete Harvey and members of his great team, the New Owner Clinic provided attendees with exceptional information while they enjoyed an evening of learning and fun.  This "first time" event met and exceeded everyone's expectations.

 
Plan your work, then work your plan. That's exactly what happened when the Gillman Honda San Antonio team set up their "Great to be Free" blood drive. On June 8, between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., Gillman personnel turned out to offer the gift of life. Seventeen donations were accepted. Once again, a fine group of Gillman men and women have given of themselves to help others.

On Saturday April 17th, 2010 Gillman Subaru participated and sponsored the 6th annual Spring Bark hosted by The Woodlands Dog Park Club at Northshore Park in The Woodlands, TX.  The festivities included a pledge walk, agility and dog-dancing demonstrations, pet contests, free dog training sessions, pet photos, silent auctions, and raffle contests.  Gillman Subaru provided vehicles in support of all of "Man's best friend!" 
Click here to watch the fun video and recap of this great event.

Gillman of San Benito and Harlingen commits to our Rio Grande Valley community yearly and enthusiastically supports the athletic activities of both the Harlingen Independent School District and the San Benito Independent School District with the belief that a strong athletic program is an essential part of a viable educational system. Also, Gillman Chevrolet's ongoing association with the Los Fresnos Rodeo and the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show and Rodeo represents a commitment to Valley events that have a positive impact in the area.  Gillman of the Rio Grande Valley dealerships and members of the Gillman team are committed to be more than just good neighbors by keeping up with a 70-year tradition of serving the community.

In early 2010 Gillman Subaru hosted a major event in Houston featuring the ESX Dealer Tour and Easy Street Motorsports (ESX) along with food, open service bays, and great Gillman technicians to assist Subaru owners and other car enthusiasts in improving their own vehicles!  The Gillman Subaru team along with Subaru of America and other partners worked together to what had to have been one of the finest Subaru owners' gatherings in the nation!

The Gillman Companies is proud to announce a continued partnership with the Houston Dynamo Soccer club.  For the 2010 season Gillman Companies will be represented by signs in the stadium and radio announcements during the broadcast of the games.  It's a great sports alliance and year after year brings excitement to thousands of Houston-area residents!

During 2009, Gillman Subaru in Houston participated in a record number of community projects. These included the December Fourth Annual Paws with Claus Muttcracker Market to assist homeless animals, the Subaru Fresh Drive with Whole Foods, a tie-in with the Lifetime Fitness centers project, and the Subaru Share the Love Holiday Meal Program, working with Meals on Wheels.

Gillman Subaru Houston team members gave their time and energy to making each of these events a huge success

The quest continues for generous donations for Rowan's constant medical care.  For further assistance to the family, contact Nicole Miller at Gillman Honda of San Antonio at 210-651-5533 for details on how to help.

From left: Brian Windham, father; Rowan Windham, held by his mother, Carrie Windham; Ian Windam, brother; Victoria Morris, Founder and President of Kids for World Peace; Lisa Morris, Victoria's mother; Jason Gillman, Executive Vice President of the Gillman Companies.

Leslie Ingram, who works in Accounting with the Fort Bend County Gillman dealerships, was a proud participant in the 2009 MS Walk.Great going, Leslie!

You hoofed it for a good cause!

When the shotgun fired at high noon on November 9, 2009, play commenced with some of the area's top golfers challenging the links of the Sweetwater Country Club in Sugar Land for a worthy cause.

Proceeds from this remarkable tournament benefit the Fort Bend County Women's Center. The Center is a community service organization with an admirable record of helping women and children in need of support and counseling.

Based on past performance, this once-a-year Gillman event delivers a great day of golfing enjoyment, fun, and fellowship. From duffers to pros, everyone who attended had a great time.

Gillman Honda in Houston, is the official Automobile Dealer for the championship Houston Dynamo and July was Dynamo Month at the dealership.

Festivities kicked off with a very special contest, which was won by Olga Vanessa Falcon from Humble, Texas. She received two tickets to the Dynamo vs. LA Galaxy game in Los Angeles. The Galaxy is led by super soccer star David Beckham. Ms. Falcon also received round trip airline tickets and hotel accommodations.

July 14 was official Dynamo Day and players Nick Hatzke, Eric Ebert, Erik Ustruck, and John Hayden, ably supported by Dynamo Cheerleaders, were on hand to sign autographs, take photos, and award prizes. In addition to a children's bounce house and a contest based on kicking soccer balls through a goal, the MLS 2006 Championship Cup, won by the Dynamo team, was on display. Fans turned out in droves for this exciting, fun event.

Stacey Gillman Wimbish, Gillman Companies Executive, with Fernando Falcon and Olga Vanessa Falcon of Humble, Texas, who are winners
of the trip to Los Angeles to see the Dynamo play the LA Galaxy, and Rod Hall, General Manager of Gillman Honda Houston.

The Gillman Chevrolet-Buick-Pontiac-GMC dealership was honored by the San Benito Chamber of Commerce as Pride Business of the month for June. The Pride program spotlights area companies that both contribute to the community environment and successfully meet consumers' needs.

The BP MS 150 bike ride is an annual fund-raiser in the fight against multiple sclerosis. It is also a real challenge to every participant and requires serious training just to complete the entire distance between Houston and Austin, Texas.

Julia Unay, Excell manager at Gillman Honda Houston, saw the event as a personal test as well as an opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause. Tropical rains halted the first day's event, but Unay and her fellow riders came on strong to finish. In her words, "2009 has been and will be one of the most memorable years in my life."
Good pedaling, Unay!

New donors and those who have crossed the threshold of multiple donations that equal or exceed a full gallon of blood came together to support the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. On November 12, 2008, the mobile unit rolled into the parking area of the Gillman complex on the West Sam Houston Parkway South and the professional staff made giving the "gift of life" an easy task.

For over 27 years, the Fort Bend County Women's Center has provided sympathetic aid to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assaults, and other related problems. The Center has assisted tens of thousands of women and their children, providing shelter and aftercare for those in need.

Some 177 enthusiastic golfers came for a day of play and sportsmanship at the Sweetwater Country Club in Sugar Land, Texas. Spirits were high and each team knew it was making a contribution to a very worthy cause. In the end, a donation totaling well over $70,000 was presented to the Center.

This money will go toward bolstering activities that include crisis intervention, emergency residence, counseling, support services, and educational programs. These much needed functions are conducted by an exceptional staff of trained, experienced, and caring individuals. The day of camaraderie and entertainment began, as usual, at 10:30 a.m. with entrant check-in and the opening of the driving range. Play started at high noon and was followed by a dinner, an awards ceremony, and a silent auction.

Special recognition needs to be given to Liz Moreno, with the Women's Center, who worked hard to make this event a success.  All of the enthusiastic volunteers and sponsors went above and beyond the call of duty to make this a memorable tournament!