Surprise Squad honors Westfield boy who helped save family from fire

WESTFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- We have an update on a Westfield family that lost all, but each other in an overnight fire and the young man credited with getting everyone out.

At just 11 years old, David Masso sprung into action as the flames spread. When the Western Mass News Surprise Squad and the Hyundai Dealers of Western Massachusetts learned of his actions and loss, we knew we had to pay him a visit.

February 4 was a typical weeknight for the Masso family.

“I came home from work, took a shower, didn't smell anything,” said Miriam Masso.

However, shortly after midnight, things took a drastic turn when Miriam Masso was awoken by a faint alarm.

“…Then I heard a crash. I went to see if the dog got out of the cage…the ceiling fan was on the ground and the ceiling was engulfed in flames,” Masso explained.

David Masso added, “I woke up with a swollen eye. I couldn't see out of it, then when I smelt the smoke I came out of my room.”

Miriam Masso said, “…Screamed for my husband. I think he came out first, then my husband, actually…Told my husband to get the kids out. I turned to him and said ‘You need to get mom and papa out now!’ He was like flash. I didn't see him until he picked up everybody and put them in the car and said ‘Okay mommy, back it up.’

[Reporter: When you say he, you're talking…?]

“My son. My big baby,” Miriam Masso added.

David Masso said, “…Hard to breathe. I just wanted to go quick. I didn't want to smell it anymore. It hurt seeing it, but...”

[Reporter: Were you thinking of your grandma and grandpa, too?]

“Yeah.”

[Reporter: What are they like? What do they mean to you?]

“Everything."

After hearing David's story, we wanted to honor his bravery, so we told David and his mom to meet us back at their house. They thought we were just getting an update on their recovery efforts, but the Surprise Squad had other ideas.

We learned that David loves to play football and watch his favorite team, the New England Patriots, so we got him a new jersey and some other gear to fill the void the fire left, but that wasn’t all. Our sponsors, the Hyundai Dealers of Western Mass. surprised David with some money to spend on tickets to a Patriots game.

“We are very sorry for what you went through, just wish you the best and want to support you in any way that we can. On behalf of the Western Mass. Hyundai Dealers, we want to present you this check for $750,” said Gary Rome, owner of Gary Rome Hyundai.

The Springfield Thunderbirds also got in on the fun.

“Some hats, jerseys, some shirts. In this bag, there's tickets too. Come enjoy the game with your buddy, Boomer,” said Matthew McRobbie with the Springfield Thunderbirds.

Carla Cosenzi, co-owner of Tommy Car Auto Group and Country Hyundai, noted, “This is touching. He's so brave and courageous. At such a young age, it's really nice to come and honor and surprise him.”

Brian Houser with Balise Hyundai said, “For him to see the place where the fire occurred, I’m sure brought back memories, but this is a positive one where we can say thanks for what you did.”

"Thank you for everything,” David Masso said.

Watch the video here!

Three students receive scholarship from Tommy Car Auto Group

In the picture, from left to right are: Jack Kelley, Carla Cosenzi, Raechel Parent, and Anthony Azzaro.

HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) – Tommy Car Auto Group announced the three students who will receive the Tom Cosenzi Scholarship and attend college this fall.

The awarded recipients were honored on Monday morning at a recognition breakfast at Esselon Café in Hadley. The Tom Cosenzi Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Thomas E. Cosenzi who passed away in 2009 and to continue his legacy of giving back to the community.

So far, the scholarship has awarded more than $13,000 to local students while offering scholarships to graduating high school students who plan to attend a two‑year or four‑year College, University, or Trade School.

“The Tom Cosenzi Scholarship is dedicated to assisting high school graduates in furthering their education. The combination of academic achievement and community leadership exhibited by these students underscores the core values of this scholarship,” said Carla Cosenzi, president of Tommy Car Auto Group.

The fund is open to two designated schools that are located in the communities where the Auto Group has dealerships at Hopkins Academy in Hadley and Northampton High School in Northampton.

This year’s recipients include:

Jack Kelley of Hopkins Academy:

Jack will be attending University of Massachusetts in the fall and one day hopes to make a difference in the field of public health. An active member of his high school class, Jack has been on the student council, a staff writer for the school newspaper, and a peer mentor to students in the younger classes. He has volunteered on the Forest Fire Lookout Association, and has been a trail guide for the Belknap Range Trail Tenders.

Raechel Parent of Northampton High School:

Raechel has plans of attending University of Richmond and aspires to become a pediatric oncologist. She has volunteered once a week at the Cancer Connection and has been a captain of the field hockey team for both her junior and senior year. It was always her goal to create an inclusive environment for all players.

Anthony Azzaro of Northampton High School who will be attending Merrimack College.

Watch here!

Annual Tom Cosenzi ‘Driving for the Cure’ Charity Golf Tournament to be held August 23rd

(Mass Appeal) – Are you ready to take a swing at supporting cancer research? Since its inception, the annual Tom Cosenzi “Driving for the Cure” Charity Golf Tournament has raised more than $1 million to support neuro-oncology research.

Here to tell us how we can help in their mission is Carla Cosenzi,co-owner of the TommyCar Auto Group: https://www.wwlp.com/massappeal/annual-tom-cosenzi-driving-for-the-cure-charity-golf-tournament-to-be-held-august-23rd/

Local organizations raise over $7,000 for Dana-Farber

HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) – Two local organizations teamed up this year to support the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

TommyCar Auto Group and the Hampshire County Sherriff’s Office partnered to raise over $7,000 for their No Shave November campaign.

Co-owner of TommyCar Auto Group, Carla Cosenzi, and Sheriff Patrick Cahillane presented the check on Tuesday to a representative from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The check was donated at the Northampton Volkswagen dealership in Northampton.

Cosenzi told 22News they raised the money in honor of their father Tom Cosenzi, who passed away from a brain tumor, “We have been raising funds for Dana Farber Cancer Institute since our father passed away in 2009, and we started working with the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office last year in an event called No Shave November so I’m really thankful for our partnership, this year we were able to raise over $7,000 for Dana Farber Cancer Institute.”

TommyCar Auto Group and the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Department wanted to thank everyone who got involved and donated during such a difficult year.

https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampshire-county/local-organizations-raise-over-7000-for-dana-farber/

AutoAwards Creates Automotive Dealership Loyalty Rewards Programs That Partner with Charities

Having an effective loyalty reward program can help car dealerships build their customer loyalty and company revenue. AutoAwards, a leader in the space, even allows clients to donate its “points” raised to benefit local community charities in need.

The car dealer world can be an ultra-competitive one. It’s what has led smart, forward-thinking dealerships to look hard for ways to remain a compelling choice for customers. One company that has been able to help is AutoAwards. For close to two decades, AutoAwards has led the way in providing auto dealership loyalty marketing solutions. These programs grant shoppers “points” based on their purchases that they can exchange for several different rewards. In exciting news, dealers can now choose to use these “points” to benefit community charities. Many dealers have done this already, giving customers a chance to give back to organizations helping their communities while also assisting the dealers in building their positive reputation for “giving back” and creating “goodwill” in the community at large.

“With the holiday season here, why not buy an automobile while also helping local community groups at the same time?” asked a spokesperson from AutoAwards. “This is an exciting and cool way to use our auto dealership loyalty rewards program. It’s a win-win all around.”

The team at AutoAwards has over 100 years of combined experience in the auto retail world. They are always happy to discuss how they can help new clients come on board that makes sense for their business. Several different options are available. And all are well known for helping auto dealerships boost customer retention.

The early feedback for the charity aspect of the reward program has been very positive.

One client making great strides in an effort to tie their community back to their rewards program is TommyCar Auto Group. Their “Donate To Feed” campaign was so successful earlier this year that they decided to go even further. They then ran a campaign allowing Rewards members to donate 50 of their Rewards points for which a $50 donation was then made to the Cooley Dickinson COVID-19 Response Fund to purchase needed equipment like N95 masks, gowns, gloves, and hand sanitizer. Their gifts helped protect heroes on the frontline of the pandemic, right here in their community! Since then TommyCar has utilized their rewards program to donate to other organizations such as a campaign to support No Shave November and an area golf tournament they organize to support Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

https://www.fox5vegas.com/coronavirus/autoawards-creates-automotive-dealership-loyalty-rewards-programs-that-partner-with-charities/article_01ccc029-9ec3-5eaf-910a-5dd12067d773.html

TommyCar Auto Group raises awareness and funds for No Shave November

(Mass Appeal) – TommyCar Auto Group, a local company that operates five car dealerships in Hampshire County, is joining forces with the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office for their ‘No Shave November’ campaign to raise awareness and funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Carla Cosenzi, President of TommyCar joins us with details.

For the second year, the auto group will match whatever funds are raised by the Sheriff’s Department, and is also encouraging customers to donate their TommyCar Rewards points toward the cause. Last year, the Sheriff’s Office raised $2,700, which doubled to a total donation of $5,400 to Dana-Farber with the matching funds from TommyCar Auto Group.

TommyCar Auto Group has a lasting legacy of supporting cancer research. Over the past 12 years, their annual golf tournament has raised more than $1 million to support brain tumor research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

https://www.wwlp.com/massappeal/tommycar-auto-group-raises-awareness-and-funds-for-no-shave-november/

Surprise Squad and Hyundai dealers honor local man helping seniors during the pandemic

EASTHAMPTON, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- The Western Mass News Surprise Squad is back and bigger than ever.

Since the start of this pandemic, we’ve been reporting on the mental and physical toll this virus has taken on our seniors.

However, oftentimes forgotten are those who are supporting our elders, providing them comfort and guidance.

In this edition, the Surprise Squad paid a visit to a local council on aging.

"They all step in and do what is necessary,” said Joanne Metcalf, who nominated the Easthampton Council on Aging.

In a time when they are needed most, members of the Easthampton Council on Aging steps up. They're led by a fellow named Brendan Rogers

"He's the best boss I’ve ever had,” said Hank Senecal.

Jenna Ferguson added, "It's great to have someone like that to follow."

Metcalf explained, "I've seen him drive the vans through town. I've seen him in the grocery store, doing grocery shopping for the seniors who are still afraid to come out, so just seeing someone at your door with groceries or whatever, I think the seniors really appreciate that."

So the Surprise Squad loaded up with gift boxes, some station swag, and a big old check made possible by our sponsor the Hyundai Dealers of Western Massachusetts.

"We luck out with a brand like Hyundai.  Hyundai has a lot of programs that reach out to the community on the national level and it's great to be able to look at a local level,” said Brian Houser with Balise Hyundai.

Carla Cosenzi with Country Hyundai added, "This is the most difficult time for seniors right now more than ever, so to be able to do something like this and to give back to them and spread a little joy in a difficult time means everything."

…And everyone loves a surprise

We arrived at the council raring to go with a whole lot of set-up before Rogers arrived.

We finished just in the nick of time as he showed up just moments later, catching us off guard.

"Thank you.  Of course, I couldn't do this without my team. We have wonderful staff who are willing to go outside of their normal job descriptions to really help our seniors, so we're very lucky to have a staff that we have and I wouldn't be able to do it without them,” Rogers said.

Gary Rome with Gary Rome Hyundai added, "We really appreciate your focus on the community.  On behalf of the Western Mass. Hyundai Dealers Association, we want to recognize you all of your hard work and your efforts that you do tirelessly, so we want to present you this check, in addition to other goodies."

Rogers told us the $500 will go directly to the council.

"I think you are a hardworking, caring person who does so much for the seniors and you're not afraid to just jump in there and help out when you can,” Metcalf said of Rogers.

Also appreciated is the rest of the crew, including receptionist Ann Longley. She told Western Mass News that in most cases, the seniors they help are just looking for a friend.

"I have found lately people want to...I call everybody every day to verify rides for the following day and I have noticed that people want to talk. I'll probably be on the phone for 5 or 10 minutes with one person. I'm not going to say 'I have to go, I have do this.'  I just let them talk and I talk with them. I think it helps. It helps me too,” Longley explained.

Rogers noted, "Well, thank you.  I really appreciate this.  This is wild. I’ve never had anything like this happen before, so thank you everybody."

Nearly $100,000 donated to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute from “Driving for the Cure” charity golf tournament

HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) – TommyCar Auto Group hosted the 12th annual “Driving for the Cure” charity golf tournament in August to benefit neuro-oncology research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The tournament raised nearly $100,000 for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in honor of Tom Cosenzi. The funds benefit neuro-oncology research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center.

The event held at at Twins Hills Country Club in Longmeadow had the support of 156 sponsors and around 148 golfers.

Carla Cosenzi, daughter of Tom Consenzi, and co-owner of TommyCar Auto Group helped organize the tournament which has raised over $1 million in donations since it first began 12 years ago.

“Each year, more than 20,000 individuals are diagnosed with primary cancers of the brain,” shared Carla. “I understand what these patients and families are going through firsthand, and that’s why I work so hard each year to help raise funds to help find a cure.”

For more information, visit www.TomCosenziDrivingfortheCure.com/ or to make a donation to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute visit https://bit.ly/3lfT146.

12th annual golf tournament honors father and raises money for Dana Farber

LONGMEADOW – On Aug. 17 golfers from around the Pioneer Valley and beyond will come together for the 12th annual Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure tournament.

The tournament honors its namesake, Tom Cosenzi, who started the Tommy Car Auto Group. Cosenzi died of brain cancer in 2009 and his family organized the golf tournament in his name.

The day includes 18 holes of golf, as well as on-course activities, a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner, drawings and silent auctions. The funds raised support the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute Center for Neuro–Oncology, and its clinical director, Dr. Patrick Wen who treated Cosenzi.

“It’s nice to be able to keep the legacy and celebrate our dad and it’s nice to be able to provide Dr. Wen with the money,” said Carla Cosenzi, Tom Cosenzi’s daughter.

Despite the Cosenzi family and the Tommy Car Auto Group being mostly located in the northern Pioneer Valley, the tournament will be hosted at the Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. Cosenzi said Twin Hills was the only venue that could accommodate the golf tournament and the following dinner.

“My dad also lived in Hampden and had a lot of friends in the Springfield area,” Cosenzi said, “and we thought it was important for people not to have to travel around.”

Cosenzi said, “[The tournament] won’t look like it has in the past.” It usually draws up to 350 people. Due to the ongoing pandemic this year, golf is limited to 144 people with an additional 35 attendees at the dinner. Registration will be staggered and instead of the two tee times, there will only be one scramble. There will also be plenty of hand sanitizer, hand washing stations, and the carts will be sanitized. At dinner, tables will be placed 6 feet apart and only six guests will be seated to a table. All of these changes are intended to ensure the event stays within the state guidelines.

“We have a responsibility to make sure everyone is safe,” Cosenzi said. She added that they weren’t sure how many people would want to attend in light of the pandemic, but they were pleasantly surprised.

“The response was so much stronger than we anticipated,” she said. While golf is sold out, Cosenzi said there were still plenty of opportunities for sponsors, donations and volunteers.
In an average year, the fundraising goal is about $150,000, though they usually raise more. “I’m really proud to say we hit $1 million last year,” Cosenzi shared about the tournament’s cumulative 11-year total.

“This year,” Cosenzi said, “whatever we can raise, we’re grateful for.”

The Twin Hills Country Club is located at 700 Wolf Swamp Rd., Longmeadow. For more information on the tournament, visit www.tomcosenzidrivingforthecure.com. Registration and donations can be made at www.jfgolf.org/tomcosenzi.

‘Driving for the Cure’ charity golf tournament in Longmeadow raises funds for neuro-oncology research

(Mass Appeal) – It’s raised more than $1 million for neuro-oncology research, and you can help that good work continue on August 17th. Carla Cosenzi, Co-owner of TommyCar Auto Group joins us with details about the 12th annual Tom Cosenzi “Driving for the Cure” charity golf tournament held in memory of her father.

The tournament will be held on Monday, august 17th at Twin Hills Country Club, 700 Wolf Swamp Road in Longmeadow. For more information, visit www.TomCosenziDrivingForTheCure.com or call (413) 341-1917.

Even Better Western Mass Podcast Interview with Dave Madsen

Podcast: Carla Cosenzi: In this week’s edition of the Even Better Western Mass podcast, Dave's guest is Carla Cosenzi, the co-owner of the Tommy Car Auto Group. Carla and Dave talk about how she got her start, the challenges a woman faces in a business long dominated by men, and how she takes on those challenges. They also talk about the balance between family and business and how she’s managed during the COVID-19 crisis.

You can view the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EP6LeJSyd4

Three high school graduates receive Tom Cosenzi Scholarship

HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) – Three high school graduates received college scholarships from a local company and were recognized in Hadley Friday morning.

According to a news release sent to 22News, TommyCar Auto Group, a company that operates five car dealerships in western Massachusetts, recognized three graduates as part of the Tom Cosenzi Scholarship program at the Esselon Cafe in Hadley.

The scholarship was created to honor the legacy of the founder of TommyCar Auto Group, Tom Cosenzi, and to continue his legacy of giving back to the community. The scholarship program has awarded more than $10,000 to local students since it started.

The scholarship is open to students of Hopkins Academy in Hadley, Northampton High School in Northampton, and Frontier Regional High School in Deerfield, communities in which the Auto Group operates. 

This year’s recipients are Catherine Kowal-Safron and Emma Elson of Hopkins Academy and Pierre-Marie Venne of Northampton High School.

• Catherine Kowal-Safron will be attending Brown University in the fall and one day aspires to work with the elderly in a psychological setting.

• Emma Elson will be attending Eastern Kentucky University to pursue a career in rescue and medicine and advancing the experiences she’s gained as part of the Hadley Fire and Police Department paramedic teams.

• Pierre-Marie Venne has plans of attending Amherst College and has an interest in the economic impact of global climate change.

“Every year, it’s incredibly fulfilling to select our scholarship recipients but this year, with all that’s going on in the world, it means a little more. We are grateful to be able to gather and recognize these three deserving students. We have no doubt that they will go far, and are proud to play a part in their journey.”

CARLA COSENZI, TOMMYCAR AUTO CO-OWNER

The three recipients were joined by the following people:

• TommyCar Auto co-owner, Carla Cosenzi

• Faith Butler, Public Relations

• Melanie Zoelck, Customer Service Manager

• Joshua Gamache, General Sales Manager at Country Nissan

• Michael Paquette, General Sales Manager at Hyundai

https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampshire-county/three-high-school-graduates-receive-college-scholarship-from-local-car-dealership/

Donate to Feed Health Care Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – As the coronavirus pandemic continues, many local businesses are stepping up to help those on the front line.

The TommyCar Auto Group in Northampton is helping to feed health care workers. Northampton Volkswagen is one of the dealerships that are part of the TommyCar Auto Group.

Members of the TommyCard Rewards loyalty program were able to donate up to 50 reward points and the TommyCar Auto Group matched the points in dollars.

The money was used to purchase meals from local restaurants to feed health care workers at Baystate Medical Center.

In just three days, they raised more than $5,000 and they’ve already started another initiative.

“We started a second initiative, Donate to Protect to support Cooley Dickinson Hospital for all their Personal Protective Equipment and it goes to their COVID call center so we started that yesterday and we’ve already hit $2,500,” Carla Cosenzi, President of TommyCar Auto Group told 22News.

For more information on the TommyCar Auto Group “Donate to Feed” or “Donate to Protect” programs, click here.

Hyundai Hope On Wheels Donates $2.0 Million to Children's Hospitals Throughout the U.S. To Support COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Centers

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., March 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Hope On Wheels® (HHOW), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supported by Hyundai Motor America and its U.S. dealers, announces a donation of $2 million for COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Centers in partnership with children's hospitals throughout the U.S. The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has created a particular threat to children with cancer, many of whom have compromised immune systems. COVID-19 drive-thru testing provides a safe and trusted way for children who present risk factors to receive the care they need. As a leading funder of pediatric cancer research, Hyundai Hope On Wheels has supported the health and well-being of children with cancer since 1998. 

"Hyundai is a company committed to improving the well-being of society and the health of children," says Jose Munoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. "In the last few weeks, our society has been challenged with a major pandemic that has had significant consequences to life, safety and well-being.  Children who are diagnosed with cancer are particularly at high risk. Through our Hyundai Hope On Wheels program, we are committed to being a strong partner on behalf of children's health and assisting during this time."

The following children's hospitals are the first three of ten to receive a $200,000 donation to support their Drive-Thru Testing Centers (additional hospitals to be announced): 

• CHOC Children's (Orange, CA) 

• UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital (Cleveland, OH) 

• Children's National Hospital (Washington, D.C.)

"This is an unusual time in our nation as we combat the ravages of COVID-19 coronavirus," says Scott Fink, HHOW Board Chair and Hyundai dealer-owner, Hyundai of New Port Richey (New Port Richey, FL) and Hyundai of Wesley Chapel(Wesley Chapel, FL). "Hyundai dealers across America unite with Hyundai to serve humanity, as we come together in this time of national crisis. Through our involvement with Hyundai Hope On Wheels, we know that children who are fighting cancer have weakened immune systems and are at a high risk for COVID-19. Together, we have directed additional resources to the various hospitals, who are arranging COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Centers at their facilities across the U.S." 

For more information about Hyundai Hope On Wheels COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing Centers, and to get the most updated list of partnering hospitals, visit www.hyundaihopeonwheels.org. 

Hyundai Hope On Wheels also developed a video message of hope, communicating how this challenging time can be overcome together: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4QfwzANxgE&feature=youtu.be

Follow Hyundai Hope On Wheels on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram at facebook.com/HyundaiHopeOnWheels, twitter.com/HopeOnWheels or Instagram.com/HyundaiHopeOnWheels.

HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELSHyundai Hope On Wheels® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Launched in 1998, Hyundai Hope On Wheels provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide that are pursuing life-saving research and innovative treatments for the disease. HHOW is one of the largest non-profit funders of pediatric cancer research in the country, and primary funding for Hyundai Hope On Wheels comes from Hyundai Motor America and its more than 835 U.S. dealers. Since its inception, Hyundai Hope On Wheels has awarded more than $170 million toward childhood cancer research in pursuit of a cure.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICAAt Hyundai Motor America, we believe everyone deserves better. From the way we design and build our cars to the way we treat the people who drive them, making things better is at the heart of everything we do. Hyundai's technology-rich product lineup of cars, SUVs and alternative-powered electric and fuel cell vehicles is backed by Hyundai Assurance—our promise to create a better experience for customers. Hyundai vehicles are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide and nearly half of those sold in the U.S. are built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Hyundai Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, and is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Please visit our media website at www.hyundainews.com. 

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America

For more information, click here.

Ken Coleman Extra Mile Award

(Left to Right) Suzanne Fountain, Vice President of The Jimmy Fund; Carla Cosenzi, Co-Owner of TommyCar Auto Group; Tommy Cosenzi, Co-Owner of TommyCar Auto Group

Carla and Tommy Cosenzi have been honored with the Ken Coleman Extra Mile Award presented by Jimmy Fund Golf and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

SPRINGFIELD, MA- Tommy and Carla Cosenzi have been honored for their work raising money for cancer care and research through the Jimmy Fund Golf program with the Annual “Ken Coleman Extra Mile Award”. The Ken Coleman Extra Mile Award honors individuals within the Jimmy Fund Golf community who have gone above and beyond in generously dedicating their time and energy to support Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. “With more than $1 million raised over the past 11 years through the Tom Cosenzi “Driving for the Cure” Charity Golf Tournament and with the countless other things Tommy and Carla do to give back to Dana-Farber and your community year-round, we could not think of more deserving recipients of this year’s award!  Their extraordinary efforts are a key component of the Jimmy Fund’s success each year and your longstanding commitment to our lifesaving mission makes you both a source of inspiration for Dana-Farber’s patients and their families” said  Amy McCallum, Assistant Vice President at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute & the Jimmy Fund.

Tommy and Carla were presented the award on March 5, 2020 at the Annual Jimmy Fund Golf Appreciation Night at the Newton Marriott. They started the tournament in memory of their father, Tom Cosenzi, who passed away from a Glioblastoma brain tumor in 2009.  Carla Stated “it’s an honor to support such an amazing hospital filled with such amazing doctors, nurses and researchers and although our dad didn’t survive, we hope our efforts give others a better chance than our dad had.”

To contribute to the 12th Annual Tom Cosenzi “Driving For The Cure” Charity Golf Tournament or to learn how to be involved in this year’s event, visit www.TomCosenziDrivingForTheCure.com

About TommyCar Auto

TommyCar Auto operates five dealerships: Country Nissan in Hadley, MA; Country Hyundai in Northampton, MA; Northampton Volkswagen in Northampton, MA; Volvo Cars Pioneer Valley in South Deerfield, MA and the all new Genesis of Northampton, Northampton, MA. Carla J. and Thomas M. Cosenzi assumed ownership of the dealerships in the Pioneer Valley region following the untimely death of their father Thomas E. Cosenzi, whose tireless work over several decades helped grow the business into the successful one it is today.

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Christina's House Fundraiser Event

Many women and their children in the Springfield area go without housing on a daily basis. Children have no place to call home and no place to feel safe. The lives of these little ones are forever changed; their nutrition suffers putting them at risk for health concerns and their psychological health may be damaged. The voices of those little ones called out to us for help.

TommyCar Auto Group was so honored to attend their event at the Log Cabin this past month. Seeing how an organization like Christina's House can impact both women and children is truly inspiring.

To learn more about Christina’s House, Click here

Junior Achievement of Western Mass-- Bartending Event

Carla Cosenzi was a celebrity bartender at last night’s Junior Achievement event! Thank you so much to Junior Achievement and Uno’s for hosting this event. We had an amazing time at this event supporting this program!

This event raised funds for Junior Achievement of Western Mass programs, empowering youth to own their economic success. Donations came through tips to the bartenders, 100% of bar tips benefited JA programs for the youth of Western Massachusetts.

To see more pictures and read more about the event click here.

11th Annual Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament

TommyCar Auto Group Raises $1 Million for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

SPRINGFIELD, MA- The 11th Annual Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament was all about the MILLION. The tournament celebrated an important milestone, providing $1 Million Dollars to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The Tom Cosenzi Driving For The Cure Charity Golf Tournament hosted their 11th Annual Tournament on Monday, August 19th, 2019 at Twin Hills Country Club and Elmcrest Country Club, both in Massachusetts. Players enjoyed 18 holes of golf at one of the area’s top premiere private golf courses, a delicious lunch, exciting on-course activities, an evening cocktail reception with live entertainment from Noah Lis and Hayden Taylor, a gourmet dinner, amazing

raffle prizes, silent and live auctions. Attendees also heard from Dr. Wen from the Neuro-Oncology Department at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute about the impact that their support has on brain cancer research.

“The Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament is grateful for our Presenting Sponsor JM&A Group and our Platinum Sponsor Southern Auto Auction, as well as the over 150 generous sponsors, supporters and volunteers, so deeply committed to positively impacting the lives of patients at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,” stated Carla Cosenzi, Co-founder of the Tom Cosenzi Tournament. “Thanks to them, we have raised $1,086,487.50 in the last 11 years to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.”

To contribute to the 12th Annual Tom Cosenzi Driving For The Cure Charity Golf Tournament or to learn how to be involved in this year’s event, visit TomCosenziDrivingForTheCure.com

About TommyCar Auto

TommyCar Auto operates five dealerships: Country Nissan in Hadley, MA; Country Hyundai in Northampton, MA; Northampton Volkswagen in Northampton, MA; Volvo Cars Pioneer Valley in South Deerfield, MA and the all new Genesis of Northampton, Northampton, MA. Carla J. and Thomas M. Cosenzi assumed ownership of the dealerships in the Pioneer Valley region following the untimely death of their father Thomas E. Cosenzi, whose tireless work over several decades helped grow the business into the successful one it is today.

TommyCar Auto Group, Hampshire County Sheriff's Office Raise Money for Dana-Farber: No Shave November

NORTHAMPTON — TommyCar Auto Group joined forces with the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Patrick Cahillane for No Shave November, an event devoted to ‘growing’ cancer awareness while raising funds to support cancer prevention, research, education about cancer prevention, as well as those fighting the battle. It’s a month-long journey in which participants forgo shaving and grooming in order to evoke conversations, while raising cancer awareness.

The Sheriff’s Office has a policy that prohibits beards; however, for one month this year, that policy was suspended, and officers were allowed to grow beards for a one-time donation. Throughout the month of November, deputies and staff were given the opportunity to opt out of the dress code, growing out their facial hair, for a donation of $20 to the Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament, which supports the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Employees of TommyCar Auto Group, which includes Country Nissan, Country Hyundai, Northampton Volkswagen, Volvo Cars Pioneer Valley, and the new Genesis of Northampton, also joined in this campaign, donating the money they would spend on shaving to the charity.

In total, the Sheriff’s Office raised $2,700, which Carla Cosenzi, president of TommyCar Auto Group, matched, resulting in a donation of $5,400 to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

“We were honored to partner and match the contributions that the Hampshire Sheriff’s Office raised to the Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Charity Golf Tournament,” Cosenzi said. “Thanks to this event, we’re able to help make a difference and hopefully one day find a cure for cancer.”

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Carla Cosenzi Seen At The 2019 Bay Path University President's Gala

Carla Cosenzi, left, of Northampton, and Kayla Currie, of Suffield, Connecticut, pose for a picture at the third annual Bay Path University President's Gala at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel on Saturday night. (Steven E. Nanton photo)

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