Haddad Helps

Haddad Subaru Donates $8,000 to Berkshire Humane Society
as Part of Love Promise Initiative

Pittsfield, MA - July 2, 2024 - Haddad Subaru is thrilled to announce its continued support for the Berkshire Humane Society with an $8,000 donation, presented on June 28th. This generous contribution is part of Subaru's nationwide Love Promise initiative and marks the eighth year of partnership between Haddad Subaru and the Berkshire Humane Society.

The funds donated will support various essential services provided by the Berkshire Humane Society, including food pantries, animal clinics, and efforts to find forever homes for every pet in the shelter. Over the past eight years, this partnership has raised over $131,000, significantly impacting the local community and aiding animals and families in need.

John Perrault, President of the Berkshire Humane Society, expressed his gratitude, stating, "The support we've received from Haddad Subaru over the years has made an incredible impact. The $131,000 raised has helped us provide vital services to the community and ensure that animals and families receive the care they need."

The Love Promise initiative involves a portion of the proceeds from every vehicle sale between November and January and from each service ticket processed at Haddad Subaru. Chris Kramek, Vice President of Haddad Subaru, emphasized the importance of the donation, saying, "This contribution goes far beyond monetary value. We hope our continued partnership assures that families facing hard times can access to basic veterinary care, food from the pantry, and that every shelter pet in Berkshire County finds a loving forever home."

The Berkshire Humane Society is a non-profit organization committed to the welfare of animals and the people who care for them. Through its food pantries, animal clinics, and adoption services, the society strives to ensure every pet in Berkshire County finds a loving home.

Haddad Subaru Supports Pittsfield Fire Department in Bfit Challenge

In the bustling heart of Boston, amidst the chill of January, a sense of warmth and camaraderie enveloped the city as the 2024 BFit Challenge First Responder Support Climb unfolded. The air buzzed with excitement as participants from all walks of life geared up to take part in this noble cause. 

Among the throng were dedicated law enforcement officers, brave military personnel, valiant firefighters, compassionate EMS workers, and a sea of community members, friends, and families. Each individual, united by a common goal: to support and uplift the heroes who selflessly serve their communities. Haddad Subaru of Pittsfield had the privilege of supporting our local heroes from the Pittsfield Fire Department on their Bfit fundraising endeavors by presenting a check for $5000 on Dec 5th 2023.

The event kicked off with a virtual BFit Step Challenge, where participants embarked on a week-long journey of movement and dedication, tracking their steps through the PACER app. Whether pounding the pavement or pacing through their homes, every step counted towards the greater cause.

Meanwhile, anticipation built for the main event - the in-person BFit Challenge at the iconic TD Garden. As the sun rose on January 28th, the arena echoed with cheers and applause as teams gathered, ready to tackle the physical and mental challenges ahead. 

The atmosphere was electric as participants pushed themselves to their limits, scaling obstacles, conquering climbs, and crossing finish lines with sheer determination. But amidst the friendly competition, the true spirit of the event shone through - a spirit of unity, resilience, and unwavering support for those who dedicate their lives to keeping others safe. 

As the day drew to a close, it was not just the winners who emerged victorious, but every single participant who had contributed their time, effort, and fundraising prowess to make a difference. Together, they had raised an incredible sum, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to charities supporting first responders and military personnel. Including our own Pittsfield Fire Department raising a total of $12,107, with Haddad Subaru as a major support system. 

With hearts full and spirits soaring, participants reflected on the true meaning of the BFit Challenge - a celebration of community, compassion, and the indomitable human spirit. And as they dispersed, carrying memories of shared triumphs and newfound friendships, they left behind a legacy of hope and solidarity that would continue to inspire for years to come. "The bfit challenge is more than a friendly competition. This challenge raises awareness, funds, and allows for our first responders to be safely tested for very dangerous cancers. The fundraising and awareness to the need is where I enjoy helping." Said Chris Kramek General Manager of Haddad Subaru. "A check is great and certainly gets the team to the challenge. The social media presence and consistent messaging behind the fundraiser is where our Haddad team shines. I am very proud to help promote such a crucial cause for our local fire fighter community."

Haddad Subaru teams up with Strong Little Souls to make a memorable day for families battling pediatric cancer.

Strong Little Souls is a nonprofit based in Pittsfield, Ma. that serves families affected by pediatric cancer in a myriad of ways. Whether it is sending care packages, hosting events or fulfilling wishes. This amazing charity founded by then 13-year-old Madison Quinn in 2014, has grown tenfold in the time between then and now. 

On June 25th, 2023, the first ever Family Fun Day was held at Tribute Farm in Cheshire for 65 attendees from 12pm-4pm. The event was created to be attended by families directly affected by pediatric cancer. Strong Little Souls had high hopes for this event, and thanks to the support from Haddad Subaru the event was "more of a success than we could've imagined," Said Quinn. 

The volunteers from Haddad secured the Biggin's Diggin's food truck that donated food for the all the attendees. Owner Terry Bishop and his wife Jennifer were happy to help when Beth Maturevich, Marketing Director for Haddad Subaru made the call. Beth and the Bishop family have worked together on other charities, and she knew they would help with this wonderful event. Terry couldn't say enough how honored he and Jennifer were to be a part of such a special day. "It's all about the kids" Terry said, "the older you get you realize how important it is to help when courageous kids like these are in need". 

When Beth (who is also a musician) made the second call to her music community, Bill Farrell from the band Liquid Courage responded with passion to volunteer to DJ the event for all 4 hours. 

Chris Kramek, GM of Haddad Subaru was able to secure Higher Bar, a unique drink car that offered refreshing and fancy mocktails for the families on the beautiful sunny day. Chris and his daughter were there for the duration of the day helping wherever they were needed. 

Maddison said, "The Haddad Subaru volunteers decorated the venue, helped with set up and clean up, and even helped to create activities for the families that were a huge hit." 

The Haddad Subaru fun tent included painting beautiful message rocks with anything from rainbows to hearts, to spaceships and many other creative ideas. The kids enjoyed taking a swing at the two pinatas provided and stuffed full of goodies by the Subaru team and playing cornhole on the Haddad cornhole boards. All the children went home with a goodie bag to enjoy created by the Haddad team as well. 

Countless families told Strong Little Souls founder Madison Quinn, that the event was beyond incredible, and they were already asking about the next one! "As a small organization, events like this are not possible without the support from the community. We can't wait to partner with this incredible Haddad group again to continue to support our local families affected by pediatric cancer!"

Haddad Subaru "Fills a Suby" for Berkshire Humane Society

For over a week, Haddad Subaru in Pittsfield has encouraged people to "Fill a Suby" (A Subaru Forester) with pet food for the Berkshire Humane Society's food pantry and shelter pets.  

Chris Kramek, GM for Subaru has created a long-standing friendship and partnership with John Perrault and the Berkshire Humane Society's mission.   

"I created this "shop till you drop idea" while randomly visiting the society and hearing of their food bank dwindling quickly. John has told me how paramount this food bank is for the pets in the community. I saw a need and wanted to have fun with how to supplement it!  Challenging the community, staff, and local businesses for support is one of my favorite ways to generate charitable contributions to the Berkshire Humane Society." 

George Haddad owner of Haddad Auto Group has always been of the purpose to make sure every shelter pet in Berkshire County finds their forever home. But, we know that care does not stop there! People can easily fall on tough times and may need to visit the pet food pantry to help offset costs. Being able to provide during those times assures that pets are kept in homes and not surrendered.     

"Projects like this make such an impact. Our community always steps up to the plate when we put out the call that we are collecting donations." Said Beth Maturevich, Marketing Director of Haddad Auto Group. "When we put out the challenge to Fill our Suby…we wanted to make sure we took it one step further. We challenged the public that if the Suby gets filled, John Perrault and a guest (Cindy Bartlett former President of the Berkshire Humane Society) would be let loose on a two-minute shopping spree in Benson's Pets in Pittsfield."      

The staff at Benson's were absolutely phenomenal, they opened up the store one hour early just for our event. Each Benson's employee helped prep the scene for a few minutes before the countdown by showing John and Cindy items that were on sale or buy one get one, so they could make the best use of their time and the money that would be spent. 

"It was a fun, crazy, special couple of minutes" said Maturevich…."I had the pleasure racing down the isles taking video of John while someone followed Cindy and it was a spectacle of joy, laughter, and strategy! John was incredible…it really showed how hands on he is at the shelter knowing exactly what was needed for food and products" It came down to the wire in the last 15 seconds as he raced across the store to make certain to grab the highlighted item of, you guessed it, poop bags!      

John and Cindy were able to grab over $2K worth of supplies not counting the donations from the community to Fill our Suby. As Chris Kramek swiped his credit card at the end of this incredible experience there was just a true sense of accomplishment knowing that many shelter pets and families in need would breathe a sigh of relief and security knowing that there would be help for them during difficult times.

Haddad Subaru Marketing Director takes the stage for ALS

It was an absolutely perfect day on May 28th in the town of Lee Massachusetts as small tents went up and food vendors arrived for the first ever town scholarship fundraiser for ALS in honor of the late Police Chief Jeff Roosa. It really "hit home" when the 47-year-old community leader passed away from ALS in 2021 after being diagnosed in 2017. 

 When Beth Maturevich, Marketing Director for Haddad Subaru heard about the event she immediately asked Subaru GM Chris Kramek if they could donate items or do something to help. Chris didn't even hesitate. But when Beth spoke to the organizers of the event with several offers, they had something else in mind. 

Beth, who has been in the Berkshires most prominent country rock band Whiskey City for over 13 years was asked if she and her band members would instead donate stage time to make the event even that much more fun for the community. It took some finagling of schedules to get all the members together, but they were able to perform and had a great time with the 100's of people milling around that day. 

"It was really amazing to see the community pull together the way they did." Maturevich said. "We have done a ton of benefits throughout the years but this one, you could tell, was really special to the town of Lee. I was just so happy that I was able to connect because of my work with Haddad Subaru but use my other talents outside of the office, to help that day. It made me excited to get even more involved with events like this using my music and the Haddad Love Promise Volunteers in anyway that we can"

Haddad Subaru Hosts Their 6th Annual Blood Drive

It's a good day for any auto retailer when employees are willing to save a life in the middle of their workday. 

On June 21st, 2023, Haddad Subaru teamed up once again with Berkshire Health Systems mobile blood bank for another full day of life saving donations. 

"It's a pretty special thing." Said Beth Maturevich, Marketing Director for Haddad Subaru. "When you see people willing to make a blood donation during their work shifts and go back to their daily routines knowing they just did something that could potentially save a life. That is something to admire and how much it shows that Subaru employees love to care!" 

Ally Maynard Curley, a Sales Associate for Haddad Subaru was a first timer when it came to making a donation. She said, "I couldn't think of a better time to donate blood than when we hosted the blood drive. I knew it was something I really wanted to do after I found out that my blood type was most commonly needed. I felt so grateful to be healthy enough to be able to donate to those who really need it. I am excited to be able to help again in the future!" 

The blood drive was able to take donations from the public as well as employees during its 8:30am to 3:00pm shift in the Haddad Subaru parking lot. Chris Kramek, GM for the dealership said, "The best thing that any local business can do for the community is to use their assets and social reach to achieve a goal. The goal for our local blood bank is to bring the people in. We have a dedicated staff willing to donate, great locations with high visibility to the public, and a social reach that helps bring awareness to the blood drive in general." 

Chris Amuso who runs the BHS blood mobile said there were a total of 22 blood donations collected and said "Everyone that came on were friendly and I got to get to know them. It is so nice that a company (Haddad Subaru) allowed them to participate in this event to help support the blood supply." 

Haddad Subaru is committed to this as an annual event and hopes to push awareness for other local businesses and individuals to do the same!