Thanks to the generosity of Hoffman Auto Group, Special Olympics Connecticut will have a new presence on the road. With the means to transport event supplies safely and securely to competition venues, thousands of dedicated Special Olympics athletes can demonstrate their abilities and realize their potential through sports all year round. Hoffman Auto Group officially presented the van to Special Olympics this month in front of Hoffman Nissan, located on Route 44 on the Avon/Canton line.
Hoffman Auto Group’s donation of a Ford E150 cargo van to Special Olympics met a crucial need at a critical time - just before the Summer Games - and will truly impact the organization for years to come. The van will enable the organization to transport sports equipment, tents, award stands, food and beverages and other items that are required for the well-being and enjoyment of its athletes and volunteers at events.
The van also aims to inspire greater awareness and increased participation in the Special Olympics program, as it is wrapped with the new Special Olympics logo and displays the organization’s website and phone number. It is the first van in the United States designed with the new logo.
The van was unveiled at Special Olympics’ 2012 Summer Games, and replaces a well-traveled 1998 van the organization acquired six years ago that required expensive repairs.
“Community involvement is a cornerstone of our business,” said Jeffrey S. Hoffman, co-chairman of Hoffman Auto Group.
“Hoffman has been a sponsor of the Eastern Regional Summer Games for four years now, what we are most proud of, is the fact that our employees have been faithfully volunteering for much longer.”
“It’s a pleasure to lend a hand during the games every year; but it means even more to be able to provide the organization with a donation that keeps giving all year long,” said I. Bradley Hoffman, co-chairman of Hoffman Auto Group.
“We were in great need of a reliable and roomy vehicle to transport event supplies. We hold more than 75 competitions and 100 special events annually. Hoffman’s generous gift will ensure supplies arrive at events and athletes have the means to make great achievements and have meaningful, memorable experiences,” noted Chris Renstrom, vice president, Corporate Relations & Special Events at Special Olympics Connecticut. He added, “In addition to its financial and volunteer support as a Presenting Sponsor of our Eastern Regional Games, we are extremely grateful for Hoffman Auto Group’s contribution of a van.”
About Hoffman Auto Group
In 1921, Hoffman Auto Group was founded by Israel Hoffman with the acquisition of a Ford franchise in New Hartford, CT. After almost 100 years, Hoffman Auto Group is regarded as one of the most successful family owned businesses in the state. With locations in three Connecticut towns – East Hartford, Avon/Simsbury and New London – the company is comprised of eight brands: Ford, Lexus, Audi, Porsche, Toyota, Scion, Honda, and Nissan. In conjunction to their new car stores, Hoffman also has a premium used-vehicle dealership, H Lot Live. In addition to its sales, service, parts and body-shop departments, the company also consists of an information technology department; a business development center, containing an internet sales and social media department; and an in-house advertising and public relations department. For more information, visit us at www.hoffmanauto.com. Hoffman Auto Group – Driven By Trust.
About Special Olympics Connecticut
Special Olympics Connecticut provides year-round sports training and competitions for more than 13,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities and Unified Partners (their teammates without disabilities). Through a myriad of initiatives throughout the state and the world, Special Olympics is a movement that’s changing attitudes and changing lives by inspiring inclusion, understanding and respect for people of all abilities, in all aspects of life. (www.soct.org)
Partner Sponsors: Adams Hometown Markets/IGA Hometown Supermarkets, Connecticut Light & Power/Yankee Gas/ Western Massachusetts Electric (Northeast Utilities Companies), Law Enforcement Torch Run, NBC Connecticut, TD Bank, and United Technologies.
Year-Round Suppliers: Adams Hometown Markets/IGA Hometown Supermarkets, The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New England, Crystal Rock Water and Coffee Company, Graebel Van Lines, Guida’s Milk and Ice Cream, Marcus Communications, State of Connecticut Judicial Branch Community Service and Worx Branding & Advertising.
