The Tom Cosenzi Scholarship looks to serve well-rounded individuals who exhibit a strong academic background, leadership skills, and a willingness to give back.  Students applying for the scholarship were required to submit a one-page-minimum essay describing why they are deserving of the award and what their future plans include.  Many also included academic transcripts, resumes of sports, clubs, and volunteer/community involvement, as well as letters of recommendation from teachers, guidance counselors and principals.

Three recipients were chosen this year, and they and their families attended a presentation breakfast at Cosenzi's Country Nissan dealership in Hadley, where they met with Carla and were awarded their   $1,000 scholarships. Northampton High, one of the designated schools in the program, did not submit any applications this year.

Receiving 2013 Tom Cosenzi Scholarships are Avery Klepacki of Hopkins Academy in Hadley, Jocelyn Adorno of Greenfield High School, and Liana Montiverdi of Shepherd Hill Regional High School.  All have strong academic records and a history of volunteerism and community involvement. 

Carla Cosenzi, President of TommyCar  Auto Group, made a significant commitment to Hadley Schools when - earlier this year, she agreed to become a "matching sponsor" for the Helping Hearts for Hadley Schools 1^st Annual Road Race - held on April 7^th  at Hadley Elementary School.  Three of the Auto Group's four dealerships  sponsored the event, agreeing to match other sponsorships and race registration fees up to a total of $5,000.

Helping Hearts for Hadley Schools (www.helpingheartsforhadleyschools.org), is an organization that strives to encourage adults and children in the Hadley community to get active and at the same time raise funds towards special initiatives for its schools. Their first initiative was focused on improving technology in Hadley schools.

TommyCar Auto was proud to be a table sponsor at Human resources Unlimited's Annual Recognition And Fundraiser Breakfast at Springfield Country Club on April 11th, 2013. We were happy to be a part of this event which helps a lot of great people with developmental disabilities find work and lead joyful lives.

HRU assists over 1,200 people each year living with developmental disabilities, mental illness or other disadvantages to achieve their goals and become more productive, satisfied members of our community.

A big thank you to those who helped make the 3rd annual Holyoke Mall Walk for Wishes such a huge success! We were extremely proud to be a sponsor of an event with over 300 walkers registered. As a result, the organization greatly exceeded its fundraising goal.  

Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island grants wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.  Great job everyone!  Click here for images from the event.

The Hot Chocolate Run raises funds for Safe Passage, the Hampshire County organization providing shelter, counseling, and advocacy services to women and children who have experienced domestic violence. This event is Safe Passage's largest fundraising event.

The TommyCar Auto Group was a proud sponsor of the 9th annual Hot Chocolate Run in Northampton on Decemeber 2nd, 2012. Our team was dressed in layers as we ran among the 3,000 plus people in the streets in honor of the areas domestic violence victims!

October "Coats For Kids" Drive a Success

This year Country Nissan and Northampton Volkswagen had the pleasure of teaming up with the Springfield Salvation Army during their "Coats for Kids" drive. Boxes were placed in the showroom, the word was spread, and as a result of the community's kindness, we were able to donate boxes full of coats to the Salvation Army. All collected items will now be distributed to kiddos in need of a warm coat this winter. Thank you so much to all who participated, whether through donating a coat or by spreading the word. We thank you, and I'm sure all the beneficiaries of these coats thank you, too!

4th Annual Tom Cosenzi Driving for the Cure Golf Tournament is About Making a Difference

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!