WAPPINGERS FALLS – Grace Smith House, the domestic violence non-profit located in Poughkeepsie, NY, was chosen as this year’s Mid-Hudson Subaru recipient of the 2015-2016 Subaru Share the Love event.
On Thursday, May 12th, Poughkeepsie Journal’s Business Person of the Year and Mid-Hudson Subaru owner Peter Maher presented Grace Smith House’s executive director Michele Pollock Rich with a check for $41,458. This is the third consecutive year Mid-Hudson Subaru generously donated to the organization as part of the Share the Love campaign.
“This is one of the best events of the year, where we get to see everyone and really participate in our community.” Sam Spagnuolo, the Director or Sales and Marketing at Subaru Distributors Corporation, attended the event on Thursday, and expressed his approval of this year’s Share the Love donation to the local charity of choice. “Peter Maher really captures the spirit of the Subaru brand: love the car, love the people, and love the causes they support. We are extremely proud that this is the third year in a row we can share that love with Grace Smith House.”
Share the Love is an annual event hosted by Subaru of America to benefit local charities. For every Subaru purchased or leased from November 19th to January 2nd, the dealership donates $250 to a local charity. Thanks to their customers, over the past three years Mid-Hudson Subaru has given over $114,000 to Grace Smith House in support of victims of domestic violence.
Senator Sue Serino was also in attendance at the check presentation on Thursday. “Peter Maher and his Subaru family are the most generous people, and it really is inspiring to see how much their efforts and generosity benefit their local community. We can’t thank them enough for their support of Grace Smith House and victims of domestic violence.”
It is through the support and dedication of the local community and businesses like Mid-Hudson Subaru that Grace Smith House is able to empower individuals and families to live free of domestic violence. Donations from campaigns such as Subaru’s Share the Love event does more than help keep the lights on – it provides the necessary funding to grow and expand on the numerous services Grace Smith House offers, and provide shelter to those for whom home was a place of violence and neglect.
“For the third year, Peter and his team at Mid-Hudson Subaru have shown themselves to be truly committed to the fight against domestic violence,” remarked Michele Pollock Rich, the executive director of Grace Smith House. “Their support allows Grace Smith House to continue providing critical services to our community. They are true allies in the fight against domestic violence, and a perfect example of how individuals, business, and non-profits can all come together to provide vital services to our community. We cannot begin to thank them enough!”
Grace Smith House, Inc., has served the community for over three decades, and will be celebrating their 35th anniversary this year. They provide a safe haven for individuals and families escaping from a life of domestic violence. For more information, to seek help or advice, visit www.gracesmithhouse.org, or call their 24-hour hotline at 845.471.3033.