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It is our philosophy that by supporting civic events and community services, we help make our communities nicer places in which to live and do business. Learn More > |
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| Balise Donates $20,000 to United Way and Red Cross to Aid Relief Efforts in Wake of Tornado | ||
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Western Massachusetts continues to dig out and clean up from the devastating tornados that ravaged the area on June 1st. To help support these efforts, Balise has donated $10,000 to the Western Mass Chapter of the American Red Cross and $10,000 to the United Way of Pioneer Valley. The funds to the United Way have been earmarked for clean up and rebuilding in the West Springfield and Springfield areas. Dora Robinson of the United Way explained the agency is now moving from basic health and safety issues to recovery and rebuilding. Over 1000 homeless and displaced families in the area need help transitioning back to permanent housing. The monies donated to the Red Cross will also help relief efforts in the area. Mike Balise toured the Mustering Area of the local Red Cross and was amazed at the organization and communication. The Mustering Area on Cottage Street in Springfield is like a "command central" where all logistics for volunteers and materials are organized to make the implementation of aid easier and more effective for recipients. Our thoughts are with our friends and neighbors who suffered losses from this terrible tragedy. |
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| Balise Honored by Springfield Technical Community College | ||
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Springfield Technical Community College held their "Not Just Business As Usual" event on April 26th, 2011, at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Balise was honored for their "continued success and contributions to the local community". Approximately 500 people attended the event. From STCC's website concerning Not Just Business As Usual: "It's about helping the community, giving back. It's providing scholarships, technology, and a quality education to STCC students. It's making a strong and lasting contribution to our area's growth. It's looking towards the future of Western Massachusetts. |
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| Balise Presented Doug Flutie's Rock N' Hoops on April 15th | ||
 Doug Flutie's Rock 'N Hoops event raised more than $30,000 |
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Balise was proud to present Doug Flutie's 2nd Annual Rock N' Hoops at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA on April 15th, 2011. The event raised more than $30,000 to benefit the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism and featured free throw contests, an interactive performance by Jack "Black Jack" Ryan and an exhibition by students from Inner Circle Self Defense in Agawam. Participants in the free throw contests, which featured individual shooters as well as an outrageous team round, each paid an entry fee and raised additional funds by acquiring sponsors. Balise was the presenting sponsor for the event with a donation of $7800. |
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| Balise Makes Commitment to Baystate's "Hospital of the Future" | ||
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Balise has committed to the Capital Campaign for Baystate Medical Center's Hospital of the Future. Balise is proud to be associated with this project. More details on Balise's involvement to come. From Baystate's website: Baystate Medical Center is building a visionary new facility that will meet our community's needs today, while laying the foundation for future growth. Hundreds of people - from patients to care providers to the community at large - have shared ideas and experiences to design a 641,000 sq. foot facility that will include:
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| Balise Continues Participation in Mentoring Programs | ||
 Students from The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center |
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Balise has participated in a number of mentoring programs with local technical and vocational schools over the years. Steve Guyette, Service Manager of Balise Toyota in Warwick, Rhode Island, has been mentoring for over 10 years, the last 3 years with Balise. The dealership currently mentors students from The Warwick Area Career and Technical Center and The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center in Providence. The students learn alongside Balise's experienced tehcnicians and assist in all aspects of the business from routine maintenance to complete frame replacement. The programs are part of the students' final grades. Steve wanted to recognize Shawn Folger (Shop Foreman) and David Remington (Expert Technician) for their partipation in the programs. Steve says they have been instrumental in helping these kids learn our skills. Brian Kratovil, Manager of Balise Collision Repair in Springfield, is on the advisory board of the Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical High School auto body program. Brian says both the Springfield and West Springfield Balise Collision Repair locations have taken on students during the school year to help out. |
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| Balise Lexus Hosts Chamber After 5 Event | ||
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On Wednesday, April 13th, Balise Lexus hosted an "After 5" event for the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield. Approximately 125 people attended and were wowed by the new Balise Lexus showroom and its amenities. From the Affiliated Chambers' website: "These events offer business professionals the opportunity to network, build relationships and forge strategic partnerships in a casual setting. After 5 events are held on the second Wednesday of various months from 5-7 p.m. at varying locations throughout the area. |
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| Balise Donates to Red Cross Disaster Relief | ||
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Through the American Red Cross, Balise donated $10,000 for disaster relief following the Japan earthquake and tsunami in March of 2011. Balise made similar donations following the Haiti earthquake in 2010, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. |
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| Balise Purchases Scoreboards for Agawam Little League | ||
 The 2nd electronic scoreboard donated to Agawam Little League by Balise was unveiled on opening day |
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Balise has purchased 2 electronic scoreboards for Agawam Little League. The first went into use during the Summer of 2008. The second was unveiled on opening day (April 30, 2011) by Mike Balise. |
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| Balise Art Exhibit Raises $10,000 for Autism Speaks | ||
 The 2010 Art Exhibit at Balise Lexus was a huge success |
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The 2010 Art Exhibit to Benefit Autism Speaks, held at Balise Lexus on November 19th, was a huge success! The event raised more than $10,000 for the charity through ticket sales, auction items and art sales. Crystal Childs, graphic designer for Balise, organized the event which included 37 local artists. Thank you to everyone who attended. Visit the Balise Facebook page to view photos from the event. |
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| Balise Honda and Balise Lexus Receive Patriot Award | ||
 Balise Honda and Balise Lexus are presented with Patriot Awards |
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Balise Honda and Balise Lexus both received the Patriot Award in 2010. The program is "designed to recognize employers who support a strong National Guard and Reserve force. Employers qualify for recognition when they practice leadership and personnel policies that support employee participation in the Guard and Reserve." Scott Randall, Balise Honda Service Technician and Private First Class in the Massachusetts National Guard, nominated Balise Honda and Service Manager, Michael Yuscavitch (now at Balise Mazda). Arvin Irizarry, Balise Lexus Service Technician and Sergeant in the Massachusetts National Guard, nominated Balise Lexus, Service Manager, Carmon Carnibucci and Shop Foreman, Paul Sowa. Earl Bonett, Western Mass. Chairman of the Employer Support Organization, presented the awards. Bonett said, "Employers like Balise give reservists peace of mind that their jobs will be there when they return. It's so important to the reservist so they can concentrate on their military job and not have to worry about their civilian job." Bonett explained that every reservist faces these uncertainties and not having to worry about their job back home helps them focus on their mission at hand. |
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| Balise Announces Donation to West Springfield Schools | ||
 2nd Grade students from Fausey Elementary School in West Springfield, Massachusetts pose with their Smart Board. |
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During the Grand Opening of Balise Lexus on October 27th, 2010, Jeb Balise announced that Balise was making a donation of $10,000 to West Springfield schools to be used to purchase classroom Smart Boards and computers. Lexus agreed to match Balise's donation to increase the total to $20,000! |
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| Balise Is Again a Silver Sponsor of Rays of Hope in 2010 | ||
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For the 5th straight year, Balise was proud to be a Silver Sponsor of the annual Rays of Hope "A Walk Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer". This year the walk was held on Sunday, October 24th, 2010, simultaneously at Forest Park in Springfield and Energy Park in Greenfield. To date, Balise and its associates have raised and donated more than $70,000 to Rays of Hope through pledges and various fundraisers including keychain sales, raffles, associate "pink and denim" dress-down days and car washes. |
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| Balise Donates Furniture for STCC Veterans' Center Lounge | ||
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Balise provided leather sofas and other furniture to the newly-opened Student Veterans and Service Members Center at Springfield Technical Community College. The Center, for which a Grand Opening was held October 18th, 2010, will provide many benefits for current and future students who are veterans or service members. |
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| Balise Supports West Springfield Youth Arts Programs through Terriers Around Town | ||
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Balise was an "Alpha Dog" sponsor of Terriers Around Town, a yearlong fundraiser to benefit Arts programs for school-aged children in West Springfield. For several months, West Springfield residents had the privilege of having huge fiberglass terriers on display all over town that were designed and decorated by local artists. The culminating event, the "Pick of the Litter" auction, took place on Friday, October 15th, 2010, at Balise Honda. As an "Alpha Dog", Balise sponsored a litter of 4 terriers created by local artists which were proudly displayed at Balise stores along Riverdale Street, including one created by Balise's own Crystal Childs. Balise Collision Repair even gave all 40+ terriers a 2-part urethane clearcoat to help them stand up to the elements. As part of the "Alpha Dog" sponsorship, Balise was able to keep one of its sponsored terriers. Balise chose to keep Crystal Childs' creation "Copper" (a police dog) in order to donate him to the West Springfield Police Department. |
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| Balise Donates $25,000 to STCC Automotive Technology Department | ||
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Balise donated $25,000 for the purchase of a state-of-the-art Hunter vehicle alignment lift. The lift introduces students to real world diagnostic equipment to better prepare them for their careers in automotive technology. Michael J. Oleksak, Executive Vice President of Berkshire Bank, and President of the STCC Foundation, said, "This is a great partnership between two valued organizations of the Pioneer Valley." Raymond Sbriscia, Chairman of the Automotive Technology Department, said the lift will be an integral part of the education and training the students receive. Sbriscia said, "Our goal is to simulate the settings our students will be ultimately placed in after they complete the program. This new lift gives our students exactly that kind of experience." |
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| Balise Lexus and Lexus Champions for Charity Raise $104,435 for Baystate Health Foundation | ||
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Balise Lexus participated in the Lexus Champions for Charity event held on May 3, 2010 at Crestview Country Club in Agawam. This year Balise Lexus partnered with The Baystate Health Foundation golf tournament. Lexus provided the opportunity for two local golfers to play in the National Lexus Champions for Charity event at Pebble Beach, California. The Pebble Beach golf event was auctioned off at the Baystate Tournament and raised over $6,000! The entire tournament netted over $100,000 to help local needy families. |
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| Balise Sponsors YMCA Youth Sports | ||
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Balise is a long-time sponsor of local youth sports. One such program is a youth basketball league that runs during the Winter at the Springfield YMCA located at 275 Chestnut Street. According to Steve Clay, former President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, "Our youth sports program is an integral part of what we do here at the YMCA of Greater Springfield. As our major youth sports program sponsor, Balise has partnered with us to keep kids off the street while delivering a solid youth sports program that embraces the core values of the YMCA: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Together, we are setting the stage for our youth to learn the value of fair play, develop leadership skills and build one's self image so that they can become active and productive adults in the years to come." From Jeb Balise: "What's important to us at Balise as the sponsor of youth sports programs at the YMCA of Greater Springfield is not in the number of banners displaying our name that hang on the gymnasium wall, or that the Balise name appears on the team T-shirts. Rather, it's the hundreds of youth that benefit from participating in programs that improve physical abilities, teach team building and leadership skills while being engaged in positive activities. We are pleased to partner with the YMCA to help build strong kids, strong families and strong communities." |
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| Mity Mite Hockey | ||
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For the 20th year, Balise is proud to sponsor the Mity Mite hockey program at Springfield Falcons games for the 2010-2011 season. Youth hockey mite teams from throughout Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut play a three to four minute game during the first intermission at Falcons home games. The future hockey stars are a perennial favorite of Falcons fans. Hundreds of youth hockey players get to experience the thrill of playing on the Mass Mutual Center ice, courtesy of Balise. Balise is pleased to support local youth sports and proud to continue our partnership with the Springfield Falcons. |
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| Balise Sponsors West Springfield Skate Park | ||
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A significant number of area youths have been enjoying the past few summers at the Balise Scion Skate Park at Cook Playground on Amostown Road in West Springfield. The new park is a reincarnation of the original wooden facility that had deteriorated over time and was taken down in early 2005 due to safety concerns. Balise underwrote the entire material cost of $60,000 and provided the experienced manpower from Balise Collision Repair Centers, Balise Toyota and Balise Ford to assemble the park components. The entire construction project, with assistance from members of the West Springfield Park & Recreation Department, was completed in a single day. The new skate park was unofficially opened for public use on July 17th, 2006 with the official dedication following on July 25. |
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| Balise Sponsors West Springfield and Westfield Youth Sports Teams | ||
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Balise currently sponsors a total of 10 West Springfield Park and Rec sports teams: 2 basketball teams, 1 Little League baseball team, 2 softball teams, 4 soccer teams and a swim team. We also sponsor 4 Westfield youth soccer teams: 2 girls' teams and 2 boys' teams, 9-10 year old division and 11-12 year old division. |
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| Balise Sponsors Numerous Charitable Golf Tournaments | ||
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Balise sponsors and supports dozens of local golf tournaments annually that raise money for various charities including the Dunbar Community Center, The Jimmy Fund, The Ronald McDonald House, Shriners Hospital, Wing Memorial Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. |
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| Balise Supports Ronald McDonald House | ||
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Balise is a long-time sponsor of Ronald McDonald House, including donations to their annual golf tournament as well as their annual gala that raises much needed funds to support the Ronald McDonald House in Springfield, a facility for families to live in while their children are undergoing extensive cancer treatment. |
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| Balise Supports Gray House of Springfield | ||
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Balise's donation to Gray House's annual Spaghetti Supper helps provide much needed funding to the work of the Gray House, which provides food, clothing and household items to those in Springfield who need it most. The supper raises over 10% of their annual budget. |
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| Balise Supports Junior Achievement | ||
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Balise is a Director's Level Partner with Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts and provided 5 local high schools with the opportunity to compete in the Stock Market Challenge. |
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| Balise Supports Boys & Girls Club | ||
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Balise has contributed to the Festival of Trees, a fundraising effort for the Boys and Girls Club of Springfield for the last 5 years. |
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| Balise Supports Noble Hospital | ||
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Our donation and program ad for Noble Hospital's annual Noble Ball helped raise funds to purchase radiology equipment and establish a scholarship for students in the Westfield State University nursing program. |
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| Balise Supports Shriners Hospital | ||
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Our donation and program ad for the Shriners Melha Shrine Circus at the Big E helped raise funds for the Shriners Hospital in Springfield. |
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