4th Annual Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Golf Tournament

On September 10, 2012, we hosted the 4th annual Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure golf tournament. This tournament is held in honor of Tom Cosenzi who lost his battle with brain cancer back in 2009.  All of the proceeds from this tournament go to brain cancer research facilities in the hopes of one day discovering a cure. 

A long-time employee of Tom, Eric Penza said that "he always had a smile on his face, even when he became increasingly ill."  Tom Cosenzi is known for a few things: his smile, his generosity, and his excellent ability to seal the deal.  He was also very kind to all of his employees, and even if you didn't know Tom, it only took five minutes talking with him to feel like you were close friends.

All of our employees here help to make this tournament as amazing as it can be.  Every year, returning participants look forward to the golfing, lunch and dinner.  Kelsey Bover says that "It's exhausting but fun." 

But this tournament is more than golfing and food, it's an opportunity to make a difference for people.  Christina Pease, a long-time employee and three-year helper for the tournament says that "It's nice to see everyone come together and participate in golfing and the dinner to show they care and want to make a difference."

Carla and Tommy Cosenzi , two of Tom's four children , Mike Hyder , one of Tom's good friends , and Gayle Bover , an employee and good friend to Tom , make up the tournament committee.  From the beginning, the four of these people have worked diligently to raise as much money as possible to go toward Brain Cancer Research.  Gayle Bover says that it is satisfying "knowing we are raising money for a great cause and for keeping the memory of Tom alive."

Each year, the tournament grows bigger, with more sponsors, participation, and money.  Thanks to everyone, there may soon be a break through in discovering a cure to brain cancer!

Tom Cosenzi Scholarship Recipients 2012

Hadley, MA - When Thomas E. Cosenzi passed away in 2009, it was not only ownership of the TommyCar Auto Group that passed to his children Carla and Thomas M., but his legacy of giving back to the community. That legacy was evident when the four recipients of a 2012 Tom Cosenzi Scholarship were awarded their checks for $1,000.00 on June 2, 2012, at Country Nissan on Route 9 in Hadley.

The scholarship, awarded each year to a graduating senior, helps students with demonstrated leadership and community involvement continue their education at either a 2-year or 4-year institution. The program has expanded to other area high schools, with last year's winners coming from not only Hopkins Academy in Hadley, but Northampton High School, Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley, and Greenfield High School as well.

"My dad was not only a great business person but was also a true believer of giving back to the community," said Carla Cosenzi, co-owner with her brother of TommyCar Auto Group. "We started the Tom Cosenzi Scholarship fund to honor him and to help others achieve their dreams."

Last year's scholarship winners include Anaisa Garcia of Florence, a senior at Northampton High School who will be attending SUNY Delhi in New York and studying to become a veterinary technician; Rita Pirozhkov of Greenfield, one of nine children will attend UMass Amherst in the fall; Nicole Himebaugh of Charlton who, following graduation from Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley, MA, will pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian at Clemson University; and Stephen J. Keith of Hopkins Academy in Hadley, who hopes to attend Lincoln Technical Institute and go into the automotive field, preferably as an expert in diesel technology and alternative energy systems.

All four students have stood out in their high schools not only for their academic achievements, but for involvement in sports, clubs, extracurricular activities, and service to the community.

The students and their families were present at Country Nissan on 40 Russell Street when the checks were presented on Saturday, June 2, 2012.

TommyCar Sponsors the DNA LifePrint Child Safety Event

This fall, the TommyCar Auto Group helped demonstrate the importance of child safety by sponsoring a free child safety even through DNA LifePrint for community members and their families. During this even, parents had the opportunity to set up an Identification Kit for their children. In the event that a child should go missing, having this kit and being able to immediately hand it over to authorities greatly increases a parent's chance of finding their child.

DNA LifePrint is a leader in promoting and assisting child safety. Over a decade ago, Sergeant Joseph Matthews teamed up with America's Most Wanted host John Walsh with the intent of setting up an organization that would ensure that children across the nation are provided with crucial safety services. DNA LifePrint brings their knowledge and services to local communities with the help of national and local support.

Tommy Car Auto was proud to donate this opportunity to the community by inviting  DNA LifePrintto Western Massachusetts. In addition to offering the chance of putting together this kit, Tommy Car Auto provided refreshments as well as entertainment for the children, including face painting! More than fifty kids took part in putting together their kits. Be on the lookout for the next opportunity to set up kits for your own kids!

Country Nissan -Cruises - for Miracles with help of 94.7 WMAS

For the entire month of February, Country Nissan sponsored "Cruising for Miracles", an organization dedicated to raising funds for children's hospitals nationwide. During this month, Country Nissan teamed up with 94.7 WMAS to raise support for the kids at the Baystate Children's Hospital on Chestnut Street in Springfield. Country Nissan and 94.7 WMAS offered support with the help of every day consumers.  

For every customer who went out on a test drive, Country Nissan donated $10. For every vehicle purchase, Country Nissan donated $100. Along with that, 94.7 WMAS matched the first $500 that Country Nissan raised. Thanks to customer involvement, Country Nissan and 94.7 WMAS were able to donate $6,640 towards the work and well-being of the Baystate Children's Hospital.    

TommyCar Auto Walks with Monte to Fight Hunger

During the month of November, Country Nissan and Country Hyundai became involved in the fight to eradicate hunger by helping to raise support and awareness for the annual "Monte's March" and for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. During the march, Monte pushed a shopping cart the length of a marathon race, all the way from Northampton to Greenfield, collecting cans of food and monetary donations along the way. Carla and staff members from Country Nissan and Country Hyundai marched alongside Monte for a portion of Route 9 to assist the effort to raise awareness to passing cars. Carla also donated pace cars for the occasion; they followed Monte the entirety of the trip and supplied bottled water for thirsty marchers. In addition to walking with Monte, Country Nissan and Country Hyundai advertised the need for both funds and non-perishable food items, which the community graciously responded to. 

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has been a great source of comfort and provision for the hunger-stricken community. In addition to providing food for those under financial stress, the Food Bank has also been there to offer help to victims struggling from natural disasters, like the most recent tornado, the October snow storm, and Hurricane Irene.

Country Nissan, Country Hyundai, and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts together were able to raise $20,000 during Monte's March. Thank you to everyone who supported either with donations or by strolling alongside Monte!