Archive

Archive for the ‘Charity’ Category

Pet of the Week: Benny a Rottweiler/Shepherd mix


We’d like to introduce you to Benny!

Benny was born in January 2012 and hails from New Mexico! He’s a Rottweiler/Shepherd mix.  Based on his current size and age, it looks like his nickname may be “Big Benny”. He is extremely smart (he already knows “sit”) and well-adjusted to being in different environments. Benny is no doubt going to be a grand addition to someone’s home.

We really appreciate your wanting to give a shelter animal a home and encourage you to search for just the right pet.  Head to humanesocietyny.org/adoptions and either email it back to k9care@verizon.net, fax it to (212) 752-2803 or bring it in to the Humane Society of New York, 306 East 59 Street (between 1st + 2nd Avenues) New York, NY 10022. Our adoption hours are 7 days a week, 10:30AM – 4:00PM.

The Humane Society of New York is a no-kill shelter. Our on-site clinic and staff of skilled Veterinarians looks after the health and well-being of every animal here. We offer FREE Vet care for the first 3 weeks after adoption. We also have a great adoption matchmaker who will gladly take your profile and match you or your pet with just the right cat or dog companion. Please feel free to submit your application!

Benny a Rottweiler/Shepherd mix

Benny

Toyota of Manhattan Keeps Big Apple Giving


Big Apple GivingToyota of Manhattan launched its second Big Apple Giving campaign on Facebook where fans get the opportunity to vote for their favorite charity from a list of three pre-selected nominees. Toyota of Manhattan will donate $2,500 to the one with the most votes. The current contenders are:

  • Food Bank of NYC: Works to end hunger in New York City by organizing food, information and support for community survival and dignity
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City: Provides mentors to all children who need caring adult role models–special friends who can help expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures–changing their lives.
  • The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, Inc.: Committed to seeing the day when no New York City dog or cat of reasonable health and temperament is killed merely because he or she does not have a home.

“As a Manhattan business, we felt a sense of responsibility to help our neighbors and partner with worthy local organizations that could help the community,” stated Toyota of Manhattan General Manager Steve Kritikos.

To become a fan and vote for your favorite charity, visit www.Facebook.com/ToyotaOfManhattan.

Voting for this quarter ends July 3, 2012.

Big Apple Giving

Fans can also play to win an iPad 2 and answer trivia questions for free coupons to NYC restaurants. Additionally, as a fan you can cash in on exclusive online service specials and sign up for Toyota of Manhattan’s VIP discount program to get up to 20% off on all Toyota | Scion parts, accessories and regularly-scheduled maintenance.

All visitors can keep updated on events in and around New York City. As the ‘Big Apple’ guide to the Big Apple, Toyota of Manhattan knows their customer base is a varied and fun group.

To nominate a future non-profit, please contact jason.schroeck@toyotaofmanhattan.com.

Giving Back to our Community

February 8, 2012 Leave a comment

Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me … Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful … that’s what matters to me.” – Steve Jobs

Although this was a quote by Steve Jobs, it describes the type of person Toyota of Manhattan owner, Mr. John Giuffre is. See, Mr. Giuffre truly believes in giving back to the community. He doesn’t do it for the “limelight” or for the publicity; he does it because he is genuinely interested in helping out the communities that have helped his businesses grow over the years. In fact, he was recently quoted after Toyota of Manhattan and Bay Ridge Toyota (two of Mr. Giuffre’s Toyota dealerships) teamed up together to give a 2012 Toyota Sienna Mobility Edition to a wheelchair bound boy as saying:

I am grateful to God for what He has given me. I’m not interested in anything in return; I just want to be able to do something good, and I’m grateful that the family will have this amazing vehicle. It’s not for the publicity. I don’t want the fanfare!” – John Giuffre

(L-R) Mekimi Chairman of the Board Chesky Kauftheil; Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn); Mike Ianelli, General Manager, Bay Ridge Toyota; Joe Ciaccia, Social Media & Web Manager, Bay Ridge Toyota; Steve Kritikos, General Manager, Toyota of Manhattan; Jason Schroeck, Social Media & Web Manager, Toyota of Manhattan

(L-R) Mekimi Chairman of the Board Chesky Kauftheil; Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn); Mike Ianelli, General Manager, Bay Ridge Toyota; Joe Ciaccia, Social Media & Web Manager, Bay Ridge Toyota; Steve Kritikos, General Manager, Toyota of Manhattan; Jason Schroeck, Social Media & Web Manager, Toyota of Manhattan

It was because of this kind of thinking and community goals; my position of Social Media Manager with Toyota of Manhattan was created. Using the power of “Social Media for Good”, Toyota of Manhattan wants to help raise funds through our employees, friends, fans & customers donations (which Toyota of Manhattan will match in part) for local charities/foundations and individuals in our community in need of help.

Toyota of Manhattan has already worked with organizations such as: Susan G. Komen, Greater NYC, Mekimi Cheer-Up Squad, Toys for Tots NYC, 9/11 Memorial Fund and NYC Dept. of Health Bureau of Immunization. Currently we are running a contest on our Facebook page where our fans “Vote for their Favorite Charity” from 3 possible choices. The winning organization at the end of the contest will receive $2,500 from Toyota of Manhattan.

We would like to also work with some individuals in the Manhattan area that are in need of our help, that we can personally get involved with.

To nominate a future non-profit, or an individual please contact Jason Schroeck at: jason.schroeck@toyotaofmanhattan.com

Read more…

Scion of Manhattan February Coat Drive

February 1, 2012 Leave a comment

Scion of Manhattan Coat DriveScion of Manhattan is proudly partnering with The Bowery Mission in holding a coat drive throughout the month of February. Please bring new or lightly used warm outerwear: coats, jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves to our drop off box here at Scion of Manhattan 645 11th Avenue, (corner of 47th) New York, NY 10036 if you would like to contribute to this cause and help our homeless New Yorkers stay warm. Contact: Josh Hennion or Jason Schroeck with any questions, or to arrange a drop-off (212) 399-9600

Our primary focus is coats, but we also are gladly accepting the following items:


  • Food– Non-perishable, bulk, and staple items (dry and canned) are best
  • Clothing – Clean, new and gently used clothing of all types is helpful. Large sizes are especially helpful. New underwear/undershirts and socks, new and gently used jeans and shoes, and professional clothing for those looking for work or re-entering the workforce. In the winter, warm outerwear: coats, jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves.
  • Linens – bath towels, face cloths, twin-size sheets and blankets, standard-size pillows and pillowcases, and sleeping bags.

In a city of 8.4 million people, more than 36,000 homeless men, women and children sleep in homeless shelters and at least 3,000 more sleep on the streets and subways in the dead of winter. This means that one in every 215 New Yorkers is currently homeless.

The Bowery Mission LogoThe Bowery Mission and Kids With A Promise is called to minister in New York City to men, women, and children caught in the cycles of poverty, hopelessness and dependencies of many kinds, and to see their lives transformed to hope, joy, lasting productivity and eternal life through the power of Jesus Christ.

This past year, donors and volunteers helped The Bowery Mission provide more than 369,200 meals, 30,500 bags of groceries, 79,300 nights of shelter and 53,200 articles of clothing, as well as showers, haircuts, 511 professional doctor’s appointments and 92 eye examinations at their in-house clinic.

Meals, shelter and services are all an invitation to The Bowery Mission’s residential recovery programs, where lives are transformed from hopelessness to hope. Three programs house 180 men and women who are regaining sobriety, reconnecting with family and faith, pursuing educational goals, and preparing for work and independent living.

The Bowery Mission and Kids With A Promise is committed to using your contributions faithfully and wisely to help men, women and children in New York City who are caught in the cycles of poverty, hopelessness and dependencies of many kinds, and to see live transformed to hope, joy, lasting productivity and eternal life through the power of Jesus.

Source: http://blog.scionofmanhattan.com/?p=246

Charity Profile: Nourishing NYC

January 30, 2012 1 comment

As previously posted HERE, on our Facebook Fan Page, we have 3 wonderful local charities that are being voted on by our customers, staff, fans & friends. Become our fan at Toyota of Manhattan and pick a charity from our list of three. Humane Society of New York, Variety the Children’s Charity of New York or Nourishing NYC. We will donate $2,500 to the one with the most votes by February 28, 2012! Vote for your Favorite Charity

We thought it would be a good idea if you knew a little more about each organization. With this in mind we decided to do a weekly “Charity Profile” for the next 3 weeks so you can understand what each organization specifically does, why the organization feels they should win the contest and what they would do with the money, should the organization win. Our last but not least organization to be profiled is: Nourishing NYC

Organization: Nourishing NYCI am thankful for Turkey food girl

Phone: (646) 524-7627

Address: 419 Lafayette St. 2nd Floor New York, NY 10003

Website: www.nourishingnyc.org

Facebook: facebook.com/nourishingnyc1

Twitter: @NourishingNYC

Nourishing NYC Logo

Company Overview:

Nourishing operates throughout the 5 boroughs, to provide “Nutrition For All.” Nourishing opened in 2008 to address poor nutrition and health while simultaneously addressing the issue of food scarcity and hunger issues afflicting the poverty-stricken East Harlem community of New York City.

Mission:

Nourishing NYC’s mission is to alleviate the strong correlation between low-income status and poor dietary health. We provide nutritious meals and nutritional education without question and without criticism. Anyone is welcome regardless of age, sex, race, financial qualifications, or religious beliefs. We achieve our mission through a three-pronged approach to feed, educate and advocate for those in need throughout New York City.

Why should Nourishing NYC win Toyota of Manhattan’s “Vote for your Favorite Charity” contest:

Nourishing NYC should win Toyota of Manhattan’s “Vote for your Favorite Charity” contest because we need funding to be able to provide citizen’s with need throughout New York City with a quality free urban produce garden, Junior Chef Program as well as through our advocacy campaign. In addition to maintaining the programs we have that help thousands of New Yorkers each year we are always striving to expand our programs and community-based anti-hunger initiatives.

What would you do with the $2,500 should Nourishing NYC win Toyota of Manhattan’s “Vote for your Favorite Charity” contest:

$2,500 will help us in our Thanksgiving Giveback campaign for the 2012 season. With the winnings from the contest we will be able to purchase hundreds of turkeys to give to in-need and impoverished families throughout NYC. Last year we gave out 1,000 turkeys and fed 10,000 people this year we would like to be able to feed even more people. In addition to the turkeys, we also provide urban nutrition classes from our V.A.N (Vehicle Advocating Nutrition), we bring health and nutrition classes to the street. With the $2,500 we could expand this program into even more neighborhoods and help win the battle between high levels of obesity and diabetes in low-income neighborhoods, by providing Nutrition For All.

Charity Profile: Variety the Children’s Charity of New York

January 23, 2012 Leave a comment

As previously posted HERE, on our Facebook Fan Page, we have 3 wonderful local charities that are being voted on by our customers, staff, fans & friends. Become our fan at Toyota of Manhattan and pick a charity from our list of three. Humane Society of New York, Variety the Children’s Charity of New York or Nourishing NYC. We will donate $2,500 to the one with the most votes by February 28, 2012! Vote for your Favorite Charity

We thought it would be a good idea if you knew a little more about each organization. With this in mind we decided to do a weekly “Charity Profile” for the next 3 weeks so you can understand what each organization specifically does, why the organization feels they should win the contest and what they would do with the money, should the organization win. Our second organization to be profiled is: Variety the Children’s Charity of New York

Photography Develops My Mind

Photography Develops My Mind

Organization: Variety the Children’s Charity of New York

Phone: (212) 760 2777

Address: 505 Eight Ave, 1800, New York, NY 10018

Website: www.varietyny.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/varietyny

Twitter: @VarietyNY

Variety the Childrens Charity of New York

Company Overview:

Variety New York is part of Variety International, an organization that has been dedicated to supporting children across the globe for over 84 years.  The journey began in 1927, with a baby girl called Catherine, who was found abandoned on a seat at the Sheridan Square Theater in Pittsburgh, PA.  A group of 11 gentlemen affiliated with the entertainment industry agreed to provide financial and educational support to Catherine.  The welfare of this one orphan became the inspiration and motivation behind Variety the Children’s Charity! Today there are over 50 chapters in 14 countries all with a dedicated goal of supporting children.

Variety New York provides more than grants to grassroots organizations that are transforming the lives of under-served children through the arts. Variety provides a comprehensive, value-added set of resources that include technical assistance, evaluation, partnerships and collective infrastructure. In the past 5 years, Variety New York has supported over 25 organizations. In 2011/2012 alone, Variety New York is supporting 14 grantees and over 10,000 children and youth in the Tri-State area.

Mission:

For over 60 years, Variety the Children’s charity of New York has been creating opportunities and providing resources for children in the Tri-State area. Our mission is:

“To support grassroots non-profit organizations in the Tri-State area whose programs use the arts as a catalyst to transforming the lives of under-served children.”

Why should Variety the Children’s Charity of New York win Toyota of Manhattan’s “Vote for your Favorite Charity” contest:

Our goal at Variety New York is to transform the lives of children through the arts.  According to recent studies, the United States confronts a creativity crisis; for the first time in 50 years, American creativity is on the decline leading to a less prepared and successful workforce.  Hiring managers are consistently calling for more innovative and creative workers. The arts have been known to foster these skills and more. Yet, arts programming and funding is on the chopping block locally and nationally.

 At Variety New York, we strongly believe that the arts support creativity and equip children to succeed academically, vocationally, and in life.  Sadly, today, it is estimated that 60% of children DO NOT have access to any form of arts education. That number skyrockets to over 70% when looking at African American and Hispanic populations.

 At the same time, we know the arts are a cornerstone for youth to lead successful and personally fulfilling lives.  Recent research shows when youth are exposed to the arts they:

  • Achieve up to a 20% advantage in reading proficiency.
  • Score an average of 44 points higher in math and 59 points higher in verbal on standard achievement tests.
  • Are three times more likely to be recognized for high attendance
  • Are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievements
  • More likely to interact with other racial groups and less likely to tolerate racist remarks
  • Experience a more level the playing field for when coming from disadvantaged circumstances
  • More likely to understand other nations and cultures and international issues.

Variety New York is dedicated to supporting children and youth in some of the city’s most vulnerable communities. Youth participating in grantee programs demonstrate the following results:

  • 83% reported an increase in self confidence
  • 92% felt part of a supportive community
  • 93% reported an improved ability to work as a team
  • 96% reported an improvement in their ability to express themselves

What would you do with the $2,500 should Variety the Children’s Charity of New York win Toyota of Manhattan’s “Vote for your Favorite Charity” contest:

The $2,500 would help us directly support our grantees with more grant dollars as well as workshops that can help them be more effective serving some of New York’s most deserving children.

Charity Profile: The Humane Society of New York

January 17, 2012 2 comments

As previously posted HERE, on our Facebook Fan Page, we have 3 wonderful local charities that are being voted on by our customers, staff, fans & friends. Become our fan at Toyota of Manhattan and pick a charity from our list of three. Humane Society of New York, Variety the Children’s Charity of New York or Nourishing NYC. We will donate $2,500 to the one with the most votes by February 28, 2012! Vote for your Favorite Charity

We thought it would be a good idea if you knew a little more about each organization. With this in mind we decided to do a weekly “Charity Profile” for the next 3 weeks so you can understand what each organization specifically does, why the organization feels they should win the contest and what they would do with the money, should the organization win. Our first organization to be profiled is: The Humane Society of New York

Organization: The Humane Society of New York

Phone: 212.752.4842

Address: 306 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022

Website: www.humanesocietyny.org

Facebook: Humane Society of New York

Twitter: @humanesocietyny

Mission:

For over 100 years, the Humane Society of New York has been a presence in New York City, caring for animals in need when illness, injury or homelessness strikes. In 1904 we were founded to protect the city’s horses against abuse. The Society expanded to include an affordable medical clinic and an adoption center. Today our hospital and our Vladimir Horowitz and Wanda Toscanini Horowitz Adoption Center help more than 36,000 dogs and cats annually, and their numbers continue to grow.

At the Society, the quality of each animal’s life is paramount. Long before it was popular to think of animals as individuals – to consider their physical and emotional needs when taking responsibility for their care – we were doing just that. That means every day, every dog gets exercise time in the rooftop run, and the chance to walk outdoors with staff and volunteers. Cats enjoy daily play sessions outside their kennels. This very personal care is fully as important to a pet’s well being as the inoculations, spay/neuter and other veterinary care provided during its stay in the adoption center. “This doesn’t feel like a shelter” remark many visitors to the Society. “It feels like a home.”

Why should The Humane Society of New York win Toyota of Manhattan’s “Vote for your Favorite Charity” contest:

The Humane Society of New York cares for almost 200 animals in our adoption center and we see over 100 outpatients daily in our low cost clinic. We are fully funded by donations and we are extremely proud to say that 95.9% of every dollar donated goes directly to program activities.

What would The Humane Society of New York do with the $2,500 should the organization win Toyota of Manhattan’s “Vote for your Favorite Charity” contest:

This generous donation would help many animals in need receive the medical (often emergency medical) attention and nursing care that they require and cannot find anywhere else.

A Letter of Appreciation


I was very touched after reading about your generous donation of a special vehicle for a disabled young boy in Boro Park. I read your story with tears in my eyes, so comforted that there are such caring and compassionate people as yourself, who are true heroes and role models in the upside down world we live in today.

May G-d bless you and your loved ones with good health, happiness and the means to always give and inspire and help others.

Best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Sincerly yours,
B. L.
Brooklyn, NY

Vote For Your Favorite Charity Update

December 27, 2011 3 comments

As of Friday, December 23, the results are as follows:

Vote for your Favorite Charity - Toyota of Manhattan's Facebook

Nourishing NYC is currently in the lead with 46% of the vote while Variety the Children’s Charity of New York and Humane Society of New York are catching up with 31% and 23%. We are giving the winning charity a $2,500 donation. Vote now in our Vote for Favorite Charity tab and spread the word! Voting ends for this segment February 28, 2012.

1. The Humane Society of New York — helping animals in times of illness, injury of homelessness.

2. Variety, the Children’s Charity — supporting grassroots arts programs to transform the lives of underserved children

3. Nourishing NYC — feeding, educating and advocating nutrition for all NYC residents.

To nominate a future non-profit, please contact jason.schroeck@toyotaofmanhattan.com for more information. Voting for this quarter ends February 28, 2012.

Toys for Tots at Toyota of Manhattan Was A Great Success! Thank You!

December 22, 2011 1 comment

Toys for Tots at Toyota of Manhattan

As previously posted here, we at Toyota of Manhattan are very happy to have been a collection center this year for Toys for Tots in hope that we can bring smiles to children’s faces that otherwise would be without. What we are also very excited about is, the local businesses that have helped out and have coordinated with us through pick-ups and drop-offs, means that there will be that many more children’s faces with smiles on them this holiday season! We want to thank our customers, employees, fan, friends and local businesses that have helped out and donated toys this year!

Jeanette Casimiro from  The Westin New York at Times Square contacted me in regards to an event they were having in mid-November. All the attendees were asked to bring a small toy to donate to Toys for Tots as part of their admission in to the event. Jeanette and I then coordinated a pick-up date and time and our boxes started filling up that much quicker with The Westin New York at Times Square’s help!

TMA Holiday Luncheon/Toy DriveJuliet Williams in the Philanthropy department at TMA (Toyota Motor North America) contacted me and discussed a Holiday Luncheon they were having in mid-December. We together forged a collaboration, with the Toy Drive in mind, which was quite the success!  Juliet invited me to the Holiday luncheon at TMA where I said a few words about Toyota of Manhattan’s efforts with the Toys for Tots program and how very excited we were to be collaborating with TMA in this effort! We hope that this is the first of many to come! The Holiday Potluck Luncheon was great and I am thankful for the invitation. I met some great people and enjoyed some delicious food! TMA employees filled up a full box on their own in less than a 2 week span!

The Daily Show with John Stewart held a toy drive within their office among their staff and crew, saw that Toyota of Manhattan was a Toys for The Daily Show Toys for Tots DonationTots drop off location and BJ Gunts dropped off a large box of toys at our dealership last week!

Marla from The Nestlé Account Team from Ogilvy Worldwide, New York called last week describing a fun way they collected toys for the Toys for Tots program. They held an inter-team “Secret Santa” style exchange, with the rule being to get a toy that you would have liked as a kid. They exchanged, shared their stories with each other and benefited a great cause all at the same time! Marla dropped off several bags into our boxes!

Joseph from Quality Transportation called and asked if we were still accepting the Toys for Tots donations. I said yes, and less than an hour later Joseph walked in to our showroom with several toys from the staff at Quality Transportation!

There will be that many more smiling faces this Holiday season thanks to everyone that donated and participated!

Jason Schroeck, Social Media & Web Manager pictured here with U.S. Marines Sergeant Ceasar and Corporal Hamilton when they picked up our Toys for Tots boxes today.  — at Toyota of Manhattan.
Jason Schroeck, Social Media & Web Manager at Toyota of Manhattan, pictured here with U.S. Marines Sergeant Ceasar and Corporal Hamilton when they picked up our Toys for Tots boxes on Wednesday. — at Toyota of Manhattan.