The holidays are always our favorite time to give back, and this year was no different. Along with our usual recipient giving, we've had a couple very special holiday donations we were able to be a part of this year.
First, we gave $2,000 to ECHO at Backus Hospital to make their patient holiday gift baskets extra special this year. ECHO at Backus is a long time partner and friend of our fund, and many of our recipients including our fund's namesake, John Bellavance, have been patients there. We hope all of their patients were able to smile a little extra this holiday season!
We were also able to partner with the Putnam Chrysler Dodge Jeep Kia's body shop manager Dario, and Geico Recycled Rides program to gift a car to Pasquale Cole and his family. He has been battling cancer for 4 years and needs to attend many doctors appointments. Having unreliable transportation can be a major stress to patients who are already struggling. Pasquale wrote us this very touching thank you message:
We are still quite overwhelmed by the generosity of the Gates Group, the Jolly John Foundation, and to everyone involved for the gift of the most beautiful, reliable vehicle for us!! You all have given us the peace of mind we needed so much!! We are in our GLORY!! From the heated seats to the quietness of the car, you can stand right next to it, & you will not hear it running!! A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!! P.S. there's even enough room in the back with the seats folded down for Pasquale to sleep!! Which fatigue is the side effect of most of his medications. THANK YOU ALL again from the bottom of our hearts!! Jolly John & Jesus are watching with a smile!! Gates Automotive Group, YOU ROCK!! THANKS DARIO!!
WINY radio covered this story which you can check out here:
We are wishing everyone a very healthy and happy holiday season!
Stay Safe & Keep On Truckin right into 2021!
