Pub. 55 2014-2015 Issue 3

26 A s the Classic family of dealerships continues to grow throughout Texas, so does the support and community service that is so typical of the Classic brand. TomDurant and his partners in 15 dealerships fromGrapevine to Galveston have generated millions of dollars in benefits for key causes and institutions, and along with their employees have contributed thousands of hours of volunteer time and leadership. CLASSIC AUTO GROUP GALVESTON RAISES $50,000 FOR CHARITY AT 3RD ANNUAL CHILI COOKOFF & ZUMBA® This past fall, Classic Auto Group Galveston held its 3rd An- nual Charity Chili Cook-off under the huge tent on the dealership grounds. This fun event has grown to be a huge family draw for people on the Island as well as from the mainland. Over 700 people attended this year’s festival far exceeding last year’s 475 attendance total. Besides award winning chili and an abundance of other festival foods and drinks, live music by the popular Galveston band, The Line Up entertained the crowd along with an energetic live Zumba® Dance Party led by Renae Bentley, wife of dealership owner, Howie Bentley. Renae and her fellow instructors also introduced Fierce Funk® Dance Fitness and spectators enthusiastically joined in. Children of all ages took part in a variety of activities including a “Kid Fish” catfish pond, face painting and a pumpkin patch. The $50,000 raised during the event will benefit three non- profit organizations including Mercy Ministries International in Zambia, a faith based non-profit organization that seeks to reach the lost through the gospel of Jesus Christ and serves the needy through care and support; Communities in Schools of Galveston, which brings caring adults into schools to address children’s unmet needs and empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. The popular Lemonade Day Galveston will also benefit from the donations raised. Lemonade Day Galveston is a free program that teaches youth how to start, own and operate their own business, a lemonade stand. “It was a picture-perfect beautiful day and it was great to see everyone having such a wonderful time,” explainedHowie Bentley. “Of course, raising the money for charity is the ultimate goal, but it’s great to have such fun doing it…island style. This event has really taken on a life of its own and has really become a festival destination for folks from all over the area.” The Classic Group Defining the Art of Giving