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Jim Burke has been providing solutions and support to his community for the past 30 years. Recognizing the need for improved youth business education, he developed Ford Dimension, a student service organization that sponsors and educates youngsters in the practices of business, communications and economic understanding.
Jim's focus on education did not stop there. Determined to help reduce the number of high school dropouts in his community, he was co-founder of Project 2000, a nationally recognized public and private partnership effort that assists students in transition from high school to post-secondary education.
"We strongly believe education allows our younger generation to have the foundation necessary to improve their quality of life," Jim said. "Learning is a continuous lifetime opportunity, and we have spent nearly half a century with activities to encourage, motivate and discipline our young people to be prepared to take advantage of those opportunities."
Jim also is deeply involved at Mercy Hospital in his community. Among numerous activities, he is founding director of the Friends of Mercy Foundation, an organization that contributes to healthcare and social needs.
"In the last 30 years," Jim said, "I have been strongly influenced by the mission and philosophy of the Sisters of Mercy (religious order) as they work to meet the special needs of others."
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Jim Doyle is adept at forging together community service groups to help people overcome problems and enhance their lives. Jim helped establish the Niagara Frontier Automobile Dealers' Association (NFADA) Charitable Foundation, which raises money for various charities. With Jim serving as chairman, the organization has focused on supporting Kids Escaping Drugs, a local program that helps minors become drug free. During Jim's two-year commitment, NFADA has donated more than $150,000 to the program.
"Being chairman of the NFADA Charitable Foundation has allowed me to be more actively involved in giving back to local charities," Jim said. "Our deep involvement with Kids Escaping Drugs these past two years has allowed the organization to  fulfill a dream of building additional housing that will enable them to expand their program. To see young people who have struggled with drugs and alcohol dependency get their lives back and become good citizens again is a great tribute to the efforts of Kids Escaping Drugs."
Jim lends a creative touch to his community by donating vehicles to Art on Wheels, a project that encourages local artists to transform the vehicles into works of art. The vehicles then are auctioned, with part of the proceeds funding art programs at local schools. Jim also is active in the Susan G. Komen Foundation and was influential in bringing Race for the Cure to the Buffalo area to support breast cancer research.
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Don Fisher always is ready to step up as an active supporter of numerous causes and charities in his community. Indeed, he literally steps up for the American Heart Association (AHA) Heart Walk.
Don has served as chairman of the Heart Walk for the past eight years, and has been instrumental in getting several others involved. Since 1995, his employees have raised more than $75,000 for the cause, with an average of 50 staff members and spouses participating each year. This commitment was recognized in 2002 when the American Heart Association named Don's dealership the top company contributor per employee in the United States.
"During the past 29 years," Don said, "this community has given my employees, my family and myself many wonderful things, which I only dreamed of. I sincerely believe that much of what has happened is due to this dealership's passion to constantly reinvest many of the resources the community has bestowed on us."
Don also supports several other causes, including Coats for Kids, United Way, the Salvation Army, youth sports programs and kid I.D. days at the dealership.
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Growing up in a home where alcohol and physical abuse were constant fears were motivating factors for W.B. "Dub" Herring, Jr. to help those in his community experiencing similar problems and circumstances.
In 1999, Dub founded Day-Star Ministries, a safe haven for women and children escaping abusive situations. Among its services, the group provides food and clothing, and helps women to find jobs and/or return to school. Dub also has been involved for 30 years with The Home of Grace, established to help men suffering from drug and alcohol abuse. He serves on the board of directors and is financing a new building for the organization.
"I got involved in many causes," Dub said, "and some have been important because, for me, it has been personal. I grew up in a family with an alcoholic and abusive family member, and I always wanted to help others suffering similar situations. That's why I started Day-Star Ministries, and why I am so involved with supporting The Home of Grace. The impact of my involvement can only be determined by others, but the most gratifying impact for me personally is in the eyes of the people I have tried to help."
Also known in his community as "Paw Paw", Herring started Paw Paw's Positive Partners, a public service program that supports individuals and charitable organizations in need of funding.
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Mike McKenna is continuously making an impact on young people in his community. Ten years ago, Mike began supporting Project Grad, a program that supports alcohol-free, drug-free graduation parties for high school seniors at local public and private schools. As an incentive for students to attend, Mike offers a free car as a door prize to schools that achieve 95 percent attendance. Twenty-one cars have been donated in 10 years. Schools missing the attendance goal are by no means left out, with each receiving $2,500.
Mike broadened his support for students five years ago by founding Spirit of Giving, launching the program after learning of funding shortages at local public schools. Now approaching the $700,000 mark in money raised, the Spirit of Giving generates funds by donating $100 from every new vehicle to a school of the customer’s choice. The funds allow schools to purchase laboratory supplies, support field trips, buy library books and make building repairs.
"Regarding Project Grad," Mike said, "it's rewarding to know that our dealerships' free-car door prizes have helped lots of kids stay safe on graduation night. As for our Spirit of Giving idea, it's amazing to see how much good a school principal can do with a $100. Some schools have received as much as $15,000 from cumulative donations, all in individual checks of $100."
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When the September 11 terrorist attacks stunned America in 2001, Chuck Rider took action immediately to help those affected by the tragedies. Chuck organized and coordinated a relief effort that helped to fill a pair of 18-wheeler trucks with supplies. In addition, he led the way in a fundraising drive that raised nearly $100,000 for families of the victims.
Chuck is a major contributor to the Centre County United Way, which funds more than 100 local organizations. In addition, he provides vehicles for the Pennsylvania  Special Olympics, local high school sports teams and interfaith youth groups, including youngsters from a local church who traveled to the Appalachian Mountains to help the needy. Chuck also is involved with the Children's Miracle Network Cancer Drive for Children, the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots.
"To be able to give, and give without expecting anything in return, is the greatest gift I can give myself," Chuck said. "I am most happy when I am helping my community be a better place to live. I have been blessed in life with a good business and many wonderful personal opportunities. I try to set an example to my employees, and attempt to instill in them a similar feeling, so they will in turn be active in their communities."
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Don Rodman has been riding high to help others in his community for more than 20 years. He created The Rodman Ride for Kids, an annual bike tour that funds programs for underprivileged  children. The event has generated more than $10 million in the past 10 years to support six child welfare agencies.
Don also has been involved with the Col. Daniel Marr Boys and Girls Club and several other local charities. He has dedicated countless hours and motivated hundreds of volunteers to contribute and give back to the community.
"Thousands of children in Massachusetts awake every morning to an uncertain future," Don said. "The challenges they face sometimes seem unbeatable – poverty, loneliness, confusion, fear, illness. But within each of these children, there is tremendous potential. I believe that the right care can help every one of them fulfill that potential. All they need is a chance."
Indeed, Don's efforts have produced several success stories by young people who have risen from disadvantaged backgrounds to lead productive lives.
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Bill Sims, Sr. believes the past can make an impact on the present and the future of his community. That motivates him to be involved with organizations that preserve and teach Hispanic and American Western heritage and culture to people of all ages.
Bill started the Hispanic Salute to Education program 10 years ago to raise funds for scholarships and community programs. Today the program is a joint venture with Ford Motor Company and includes centers in Texas, California and Florida.
Bill is a 10-year member of Los Compadres (Friends of the Missions), an organization that works with the U.S. National Park Service in promoting the heritage and restoration of missions in Old San Antonio. He also serves on the board of the National Center for American Western Art, whose mission is to preserve works of art reflecting the heritage of the American West.
"The primary focus of my community involvement," Bill said, "centers on education and those institutions and programs that support education in several forms. I firmly believe that the art and artifacts that are represented in both the National Center for American Western Art and Los Compadres are worthy of support. Community and education remain a priority for me, and I intend to continue supporting them with a passion."
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Dave Wilson is known in his community for literally going the extra mile to help others. Walking and running, Dave has logged countless miles to raise money for charities.
A long-time supporter of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, Dave has participated in and served as regional chairman of the organization’s WalkAmerica event. Over the past 14 years, he has raised nearly $300,000 as an individual participant. Furthermore, donations from employees of his automotive group have increased that total to almost $1 million. Dave also has hit the road for the American Cancer Society over the past five years as a supporter of the Relay for Life event.
"I am very honored to have been chosen to receive the Salute To Dealers award," Dave said. "I am also very grateful that I have the opportunity to provide time and resources that can impact the lives of others. The example set by my parents taught me the importance of giving all kids the chance to be the best they can be."
A devastating fire at one of his dealerships in 2000, along with the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, have given Dave an admiration for those who fight fires and serve in rescue operations. He is a strong supporter of the National Fallen Firefighters' Foundation, matching public donations to a fund that assists survivors of deceased firefighters. Last year a check for more than $20,000 was presented to the foundation. In addition, Dave is chairman of a $1.5 million project that will create an outdoor sports complex for local youth.
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