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Plano ISD Education Foundation Awards $150,000 in Grants with Support from Park Place Lexus Plano

In late 2024, the Plano ISD Education Foundation celebrated the kickoff of its annual Grants to Educators Grant Patrol, recognizing 100 extraordinary educators from Plano ISD. These educators went above and beyond by submitting innovative grant proposals designed to enrich the educational experience for their students.

With support from Park Place Lexus Plano, alongside dedicated partners, donors, and volunteers, the Foundation, a nonprofit organization, awarded an impressive $150,000 in grants across 57 campuses. The funds will directly enhance classrooms by providing new technology, after-school programs, educational materials, and student-focused experiences that spark creativity and engagement.

One of the most anticipated traditions of the year, the Grant Patrol, surprises grant-winning educators in their classrooms. Volunteers from Park Place Lexus Plano, Foundation partners, and district staff form the Grant Patrol team, spreading joy as they deliver grants in luxurious Lexus vehicles. Before setting out, Park Place Lexus Plano hosts a celebratory breakfast to kick off the day of giving.

Park Place Lexus Plano has supported the Plano ISD Education Foundation for more than 20 years, underscoring its commitment to education and the local community.

The Plano ISD Education Foundation has been championing quality education since 1993. Its mission is to help all Plano ISD students achieve their full potential by providing financial support to educators and academic programs. To date, the Foundation has generated over $23 million in private funding for priority projects not covered by tax dollars. Partnering with more than 40 businesses and organizations across North Texas, the Foundation continues to enhance educational opportunities and foster community involvement in support of Plano ISD schools.

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Park Place Members Volunteered to Lay Wreaths on Veterans’ Graves at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery

Army veteran’s daughter participated in wreaths across America 

Jessica Musgrave, Admin Assistant to the GM at Park Place Lexus in Grapevine, had never heard of the Wreaths Across America initiative until Park Place invited their Members to participate in this year’s event. 

“I just thought the cemetery must put out all the wreaths,” said Musgrave. ”My father, US Army Sargeant Arsenio Vega-Rodriguez, is buried at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. I would see the wreaths on his grave when I’d visit at Christmas time. When I heard Park Place was participating, naturally I volunteered this year. I was truly impressed by the level of community support. Hearing the veterans’ stories from others was incredible. By saying their names out loud, we keep their stories alive.” 

“My father served in the 2nd Armored Division, working with the M1A2 Abrams tank, a role he always spoke of with pride,” she recalled. “He remembered his time in the Army as one of the best chapters of his life. I was born at Fort Hood while he was stationed there.” 

After his military service, Jessica’s father returned to Puerto Rico to begin a 30-year career with American Airlines. He received the American Airlines Purple Heart Award for his heroic actions as a first responder, saving a pilot’s life at DFW Airport.  

“When my father passed, I made a promise to him that his legacy would continue through us—his children, his grandchildren and through the communities he touched. In the end, legacies are not just about the recognition we receive but about the actions we take, the way we treat others, and the values we instill in those who follow us. Our stories are woven into the fabric of the world around us, and through our service, love, and dedication, we create legacies that will continue to resonate for years to come.” 

Musgrave said her biggest takeaway was realizing how we are all woven together for a greater purpose – from serving our country to serving each other. 

“For me, the concept of legacy took on new meaning with the passing of my father. While I miss him every day, I no longer dwell in sadness. Instead, I recognize that he passed the baton to me and my siblings, entrusting us with the responsibility to continue his work and uphold his values. Reflecting on my father’s life, I realize how much of him lives on in me. We share the same laugh, the same desire to help others, and a heart full of service.” 

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Park Place Dealerships 4th Annual Season of Giving Recipients Receive a Total of $100,000

North Texas non-profits are kicking off the holiday season with a little more cheer, thanks to $100,000 in Season of Giving grants from Park Place Dealerships. The dealership group selected 21 recipients across the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area that make an impact in the community year-round.

“It’s been truly inspiring to learn about the remarkable work of numerous non-profits making a difference in our communities,” said Tony Carimi, Managing Director of Park Place Dealerships. “In addition to providing year-end grants, Park Place Members will also volunteer with these non-profit partners in the coming year, aiming to drive an even greater impact in the community.”

More than 700 non-profits applied for the 4th Annual Season of Giving grants. Each recipient aligns with one of Park Place’s Four Pillars of Giving: Education; Medical Research; Advocacy; or the Arts.

Under its philanthropic arm, Park Place Cares, the Season of Giving program awards one-time grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. Now in its fourth year, the initiative has granted a total of $400,000 to 86 local organizations, supporting the missions of non-profits dedicated to bettering North Texas communities. Over the past 37 years, Park Place Cares has contributed millions of dollars to charities through ongoing outreach and support.

This year’s grant recipients represent a broad range of causes and communities across North Texas, reflecting Park Place Dealerships’ commitment to uplifting diverse missions and making a lasting difference. The charities receiving a grant for the 2024 Season of Giving include:

Education

  • Pasos for Oak Cliff (Dallas)
  • Broken Halos Haven (Lewisville)
  • Claymore Operations (Coppell)
  • Little Hands Book Bank (Plano)
  • Gabby’s Sanctuary Ark, Inc. (Lancaster)
  • Gill Children’s Services (Fort Worth)
  • Rainbow Days (Dallas)
  • Girls on the Run (Dallas)

Medical

  • Enabling Movement Foundation (Flower Mound)
  • David Nicklas Organ Donor Awareness Foundation (Grand Prairie)

Advocacy

  • Bikers Against Child Abuse (Fort Worth)
  • Lambie’s Love (Dallas)
  • DFW Angels (Dallas)
  • Serving Our Seniors (Richland Hills)
  • Metrocrest Services (Carrollton)
  • Patriot PAWS Service Dogs (Rockwall)
  • Streetside Showers (McKinney)
  • Second Chance Dog Rescue (Mansfield)

Arts

  • New Song Community Choir (Dallas)
  • Brown Girls Do Ballet (Fort Worth)
  • Youth Orchestra of Greater Fort Worth (Fort Worth)

“This is truly one of our favorite times of the year as we come together to review the incredible applications from local non-profits,” said Kara Connor, Park Place Dealership’s Experiential Marketing Manager. “Beyond providing financial support, we’re excited to strengthen our connections with these inspiring organizations that make such a meaningful impact across North Texas.”

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Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a Pumpkin-Filled Wonderland Through November 3rd 2024

Park Place Dealerships Official Automotive Sponsor of 19th Annual Autumn at the Arboretum

The 19th annual Autumn at the Arboretum, a beloved fall tradition that transforms the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden into a pumpkin-filled wonderland, is in full swing. Park Place Dealerships is the official automotive sponsor helping bring this seasonal event to the community.

Running through November 3, guests will see more than 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash from Floydada, Texas—known as the pumpkin capital of Texas—and features 150,000 vibrant fall-blooming plants, creating a breathtaking seasonal display.

This year’s Autumn at the Arboretum highlights a special exhibit, “Texas Town,” which takes visitors on an immersive journey through the lives of Texas pioneers. Guests can explore six distinct pumpkin houses, each representing a unique aspect of pioneer life.

From the cozy atmosphere of a log cabin to the lively spirit of a local saloon, Texas Town offers a captivating glimpse into the history and resilience of early Texans. The exhibit also includes a pioneer farmstead, a general store, a humble sod house, and a one-room schoolhouse, each adorned with detailed historical markers to provide insights into the era’s daily life and architecture.

“Autumn at the Arboretum is one of our favorite events of the season in North Texas,” said Kara Connor, Experiential Marketing Manager at Park Place Dealerships. “This year’s ‘Texas Town’ theme adds such a rich historical dimension, allowing families to not only enjoy the beauty of the fall season but also to step back in time and experience the pioneering spirit of Texas. We’re honored to be part of this incredible celebration.”

In addition to Texas Town, visitors can admire the striking colors of autumnal flowers, including marigolds, chrysanthemums, pentas, and other seasonal blooms, which complement the warm tones of the pumpkins, creating a truly magical experience for guests of all ages.

For more information on Autumn at the Arboretum and to plan your visit, please go to www.dallasarboretum.org.

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4th Annual Season Of Giving Kicks Off Today Offering Up To A Total Of $100,000 In Grants To Nonprofits

Park Place Dealerships Opens Applications through October 25 and Invites Greater Dallas-Fort Worth Charities to Apply

For the fourth consecutive year, Park Place Dealerships is giving away a total of $100,000 in grants through its SEASON OF GIVING campaign to non-profits making a positive impact in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth community. Beginning today through October 25, eligible organizations are invited to apply at ParkPlaceCares.com. Recipients will be announced the week of November 18, 2024.

“Through the SEASON OF GIVING, we provide grants to local organizations that align with our four pillars of giving,” said Tony Carimi, Managing Director of Park Place Dealerships. “SEASON OF GIVING goes beyond providing critical funds. Our Members at Park Place are deeply involved, volunteering their time and talents year-round. It’s incredible to witness the ripple effect of their dedication, as our team’s creativity and passion help make an even larger impact across our community.”  

Non-profit organizations applying must fit the following criteria:

  • Organization must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
  • The charity must support one of Park Place Cares’ Pillars of Giving, which include: Education; Medical Research; Children’s Advocacy; or the Arts.
  • The charity must serve in at least one of the following counties: Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Rockwall, Kaufman, Hunt, Wise or Johnson.
  • The charity cannot already have received donations or in-kind support from Park Place in 2024.
  • Charities must apply by October 25, 2024.

Under Park Place Dealerships’ philanthropic arm of Park Place Cares, SEASON OF GIVING offers local non-profits the opportunity to apply for a one-time, end of year grant. Since 2021, Park Place Dealerships has awarded a total of $300,000 to 65 charities across North Texas that are making a real difference in our communities.

“There are countless charities in our community who are doing incredible work, yet lack the necessary resources to make a bigger impact,” said Kara Connor, Park Place Dealership’s Experiential Marketing Manager. “Through SEASON OF GIVING, we have discovered nonprofits of all sizes making a meaningful difference in North Texas. We want non-profits to know we see you and will continue to do what we can to amplify your incredible work.”

Eighteen North Texas non-profits received a 2023 Season of Giving grant from Park Place Dealerships out of more than 400 applications. One of the non-profits included the Apollo Support & Rescue in Justin, Texas. When the Park Place Lexus Grapevine general manager Charles Owen and Members of his team arrived at the no-kill animal shelter last year to present a grant, they encountered Zeke, a five-year old Bernese Mountain dog. The owner had just arrived to surrender the sweet dog. Charles ended up adopting Zeke, and Apollo received their grant!

Park Place goes above and beyond with the Season of Giving grant recipients by looking for additional opportunities to support the non-profits with Members volunteering throughout the year. The Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas sends care packages to U.S. military troops serving abroad. Park Place provided a 2023 grant to support their mission and in early 2024 Park Place Members spent the day packing basic toiletries, socks, snacks, candy, and letters for American soldiers.

“We have built strong relationships with many incredible non-profits that continue to make an impact on the world,” said Connor. “We are really excited to meet this year’s SEASON OF GIVING recipients and explore how we can collaborate to help them achieve their goals moving forward.”

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Park Place Dealerships Presents the BOO Yard Sign Challenge to Benefit Children’s Health

Make this Halloween Spook-tacular While Supporting a Great Cause!

Park Place Dealerships is thrilled to announce the BOO Yard Sign Challenge, a fun and festive way for North Texas families to celebrate Halloween while supporting pediatric patients at Children’s Health. This community-driven initiative, hosted by the Women’s Auxiliary to Children’s Medical Center, encourages the community to “BOO” their friends and neighbors by secretly leaving BOO signs in their yards and Halloween treats at their doorsteps while raising funds for Children’s Health patients.

The challenge runs through Oct. 31, 2024. Participants can purchase a BOO yard sign for $25 at childrens.com/boo, and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to Children’s Health to support their mission to make life better for children. Participation is easy and fun, and includes the following activities:

  • Purchasing a BOO Yard Sign – Signs are available for purchase online at childrens.com/boo for $25 each.
  • Pick Up Your Sign – Choose your closest neighborhood pickup location in Dallas or Plano at Park Place Porsche, Park Place Motorcars Dallas or Park Place Lexus Plano, during checkout by searching your home, work, or school zip code. Signs are available now for pickup.
  • BOO Your Neighbors – Place the BOO yard sign in your neighbor’s yard and leave Halloween goodies at their doorsteps without them seeing you! Each sign comes with instructions on how recipients can join the challenge and keep the spooky spirit alive throughout the neighborhood.

“Our goal is to spread joy throughout the community by placing a BOO sign on every lawn in North Texas while supporting patients at Children’s Health this Halloween,” said Kara Connor, Experiential Marketing Manager of Park Place Dealerships. “This initiative is an exciting way to engage with neighbors and rally around Children’s Health in their mission to provide quality medical care to children in our community who need it most.”

Make this Halloween a memorable one for your community and help bring smiles to the faces of young patients at Children’s Health. For more information or to purchase your BOO yard sign, visit childrens.com/boo.

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Park Place Dealerships Lends a Helping Hand for Back-to-School Efforts Across North Texas

Park Place Dealerships continues its long-standing commitment to community support by partnering with several local organizations for a series of back-to-school initiatives. These efforts include volunteering at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County’s Back to School Fair, along with school supply drives benefitting students in Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth.

Park Place team members volunteered at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County’s Back to School Fair. The event provided backpacks and essential school supplies to children in need, ensuring they are prepared for the upcoming school year. Park Place members worked directly with families, distributing supplies and sharing in the excitement of helping children start their school year with confidence.

In addition to volunteering, Park Place Dealerships has organized multiple school supply drives across its North Texas locations:

  • Park Place Motorcars Dallas and Porsche Dallas partnered with For Oak Cliff, an organization focused on enhancing opportunities in South Dallas, to collect school supplies for students in the community.
  • Park Place Motorcars Arlington supported Pearcy STEM Academy and the Boys & Girls Club of Arlington through a school supply drive, aiming to provide these young scholars with the tools they need to thrive.
  • Park Place Motorcars Fort Worth collected supplies for The Welman Project, which helps redirect surplus materials from businesses to schools and nonprofits, ensuring under-resourced classrooms are well-equipped.

“Our commitment to education and the next generation is at the core of our community engagement,” said Kara Connor, Experiential Marketing Manager of Park Place Dealerships. “By supporting local schools and organizations through these supply drives, we aim to ensure that every child starts the school year with the resources they need to succeed.”

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. 

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Catch Up & Read Teamed Up With Park Place Dealerships For Reading Rallies In 18 Dallas ISD Schools

As the end of the school year approached, Catch Up & Read, a Dallas-based nonprofit,sought assistance in preparing for the end-of-year awards program at 18 Dallas ISD schools. During National Volunteer Month in April, members of Park Place Dealerships joined forces with Catch Up & Read for Reading Rallies to celebrate students’ success this year. They helped the nonprofit by preparing packets and awards for the year-end celebrations at these 18 schools, as well as organizing the library and reading to children.

Catch Up & Read is the only reading intervention program in North Texas that works to close the literacy gap by analyzing data, assessing student performance, leveraging technology resources, and enhancing educator preparedness through proven practices in both English and Spanish. This nonprofit equips children in underserved communities to read at grade level by 3rd grade, with the long-term goal of helping students graduate from high school and break the generational cycle of poverty.

Park Place Dealerships was featured on “Wake Up to Something Good” with Laura Harris on NBC 5, highlighting the impact Park Place volunteers had with more than 750 students and 150 specially trained teachers. The story is linked here: Local car dealerships do something good for childhood literacy

“By introducing organizations like Catch Up & Read to our members, we aim to see if it is something they are passionate about so they can give their time and energy. We can also support with funds,” said Kara Connor, Experiential Marketing Manager at Park Place Dealerships.

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA. For more information, visit parkplace.com.


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Thousands of North Texas Moms Get Gift Ahead of Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 12 and today expectant mothers across North Texas received a special gift. Volunteers from Park Place Dealerships joined forces with the non-profit, The Vitamin Bridge in Coppell to deliver prenatal vitamins for moms-to-be with limited access to resources.

Becoming a mom is one of life’s greatest adventures, but it also comes with a lot of unknowns, especially during pregnancy. Before becoming pregnant and in the first few months of pregnancy, taking a prenatal vitamin daily that contains the right amount of folic acid, iron and calcium can reduce the risk of preterm births, low birth weights, and birth defects. The gift of prenatal vitamins helps reduce the stress for expecting moms.

The Vitamin Bridge received a grant in 2023 from Park Place Dealership’s Season of Giving campaign. Since then, Park Place has expanded its partnership with The Vitamin Bridge and today provided SUVs and volunteers to deliver 10,000 bottles of prenatal vitamins to 19 different locations throughout DFW. The parade of vehicles departed from the nonprofit’s Coppell headquarters to deliver one million doses of vitamins. 

A survey by The Harris Poll found that 43 percent of women who have been or are currently pregnant reported that the cost of vitamins affected when and whether they sought prenatal care for their pregnancy.

The Vitamin Bridge’s prenatal vitamin donation program began in September 2019. The singular focus of the organization is to provide underserved moms access to prenatal vitamins that will impact thousands of babies.

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA. For more information, visit parkplace.com.

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Bonton Farms in South Dallas is Beneficiary of National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month and Bonton Farms in South Dallas was the beneficiary of volunteers from Park Place Dealerships helping with maintenance today. Volunteers assisted with trimming overgrown bushes and weeds, mulching, as well as installing and staining fence panels.

The urban farm in the small South Dallas neighborhood is important to the community which is considered a food desert. More than 48% percent of residents are living in poverty and there is a significant need to have access to healthy food options. Bonton Farms has been transformed from a small garden into two fully functioning farms, a Farmer’s Market, and a Café. 

Park Place Dealerships chose Bonton Farms as one of 17 nonprofits in DFW to volunteer with this week during National Volunteer Month. 

Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987 and has been engaged in the community through its support of the arts, medical research, children’s advocacy, and education. Park Place employs more than 1,400 members and operates nine full-service dealerships representing luxury brands including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover, Acura, and Sprinter Vans. Park Place BodyWerks Collision Centers in Fort Worth, Dallas, and Plano and the Park Place Auto Auction, round out the company’s offerings. Park Place was acquired in 2020 by Asbury Automotive Group, Inc., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Duluth, GA. For more information, visit parkplace.com.