Tom Cosenzi Scholarship Recipients

On Saturday May 18th Carla Cosenzi, President of TommyCar Auto Group - presented Tom Cosenzi Scholarships to three Western Mass High School Seniors. This is the third consecutive year; TommyCar Auto has offered scholarships to graduating high school students who plan to attend a two-year or four-year College, University, or Trade School. The fund is open to four designated schools that are located in the communities where the Auto Group has dealerships. 

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. 

Avery plans to pursue a bachelor's of science degree in nursing from UMASS, and then go on to become a Certified Nurse Midwife, focusing on underserved communities where expectant mothers who are most in need, do not always have access to prenatal care. Jocelyn possesses a strong ability to overcome hardships, and her positive attitude and determination should serve her well as she moves forward with the goal of pursuing a degree in engineering. Liana is very active in school, music, and her community. She plans to attend Mass College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. 

"We had many deserving applicants this year, " Cosenzi said, "and we are so pleased to be able to support this group of ambitious young women as they move forward with their goals. That is what the Tom Cosenzi Scholarship Program is all about."

Northampton Volkswagen Supports Walk for Wishes

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.

Carla Presents Commercial Contest Winner

March 2013, Hadley, MA – Carla Cosenzi, President of TommyCar Auto Group, presented TV commercial Contest winner Al Liptak with his grand prize at her Country Nissan store in Hadley.

The contest was launched in November 2012, and was promoted though three of TommyCar’s four dealerships: Country Nissan of Hadley, Country Hyundai of Greenfield, and Northampton Volkswagen. Entries were accepted though early January, and a total of 75 produced submissions were received. The top five were selected by a contest review committee, and then the public was invited to cast their votes.

In the end, the race came down to two – Jake Hulseberg’s VW daydream, and Al’s crazy Hyundai-driving puppet. After 2,200 votes were cast, Al Liptak’s entry was the victor. The winning commercial was accounted via a special, premiere airing on CBS, Sunday February 2nd 2013, immediately after the Superbowl.

Liptak won his choice of a brand new Nissan Versa, Hyundai Accent, Volkswagen Jetta, or cash equivalent. In addition, Al’s winning Hyundai commercial will be ran on local TV networks during the month of April

TommyCar Auto & the NELCWIT

This year, The TommyCar Auto group was a proud sponsor of the New England Learning Center for Women In Transition's 2013 Bowlathon Fundraiser. The event was held on January 26th at the French King Bowling Center. This was a very successful event, as it raised over $12,000 for abused women and children in the area.

Since 1976, the NELCWIT has been serving the Franklin Country and North Quabbin region of Western Massachusetts, providing safety planning, advocacy, and support to anyone who has survived domestic or sexual abuse. They also offer prevention education for the community, especially area youth.

TommyCar Sponsors the DNA LifePrint Child Safety Event

This fall, the TommyCar Auto Group helped demonstrate the importance of child safety by sponsoring a free child safety even through DNA LifePrint for community members and their families. During this even, parents had the opportunity to set up an Identification Kit for their children. In the event that a child should go missing, having this kit and being able to immediately hand it over to authorities greatly increases a parent's chance of finding their child.

DNA LifePrint is a leader in promoting and assisting child safety. Over a decade ago, Sergeant Joseph Matthews teamed up with America's Most Wanted host John Walsh with the intent of setting up an organization that would ensure that children across the nation are provided with crucial safety services. DNA LifePrint brings their knowledge and services to local communities with the help of national and local support.

Tommy Car Auto was proud to donate this opportunity to the community by inviting  DNA LifePrintto Western Massachusetts. In addition to offering the chance of putting together this kit, Tommy Car Auto provided refreshments as well as entertainment for the children, including face painting! More than fifty kids took part in putting together their kits. Be on the lookout for the next opportunity to set up kits for your own kids!