Balise Ford of Cape Cod

Balise Sponsoring the 2012 Doug Flutie Celebrity Shootout for Autism
		Balise is proud to present the 2012 Doug Flutie Celebrity Shootout for Autism (formerly known as "Rock N' Hoops"), coming to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts on Friday, March 16th, 2012. The event will benefit the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, and once again Doug Flutie and Mike Balise will share emcee duty. Balise sponsored the event in 2011 and everyone had a great time! Click here for event info, including tickets, registration for the free throw contest and sponsorship opportunities.

Balise Volkswagen Makes Donation to Bolster Arts Program in School
		Balise Volkswagen was a sponsor of the recent Festival Fete Holiday Market in Providence, Rhode Island. Balise invited people to guess how many balloons were stuffed inside a Volkswagen Beetle that was parked at the event. The winner, Michelle McGaughey won tickets to see Shrek the Musical at the Providence Performing Arts Center, as well as a $2000 donation from Balise for the Hopkins Hill Elementary School arts program. Michelle was attending the Holiday Market with her granddaughter, who attends Hopkins Hill. Read More

Balise Lexus Holds Toys for Tots Drive
Just a portion of the toys that were collected during the 2011 Toys for Tots drive at Balise Lexus.		Balise Lexus once again held a Toys for Tots drive for 2011. Customers were offered a free oil change in exchange for a donation of a new toy. The drive was a big success and Balise Lexus is thrilled that these toys will be bringing smiles to the faces of local children who may not otherwise have had any presents to open this Holiday season.

Balise Supports Barnstable High School
The Liverpool Legends will perform at Barnstable High School.		Balise made a donation to Barnstable High School's "Keeping Music Alive" benefit concert, which was held on January 6, 2012 at the high school's Performing Arts Center. The concert featured performances by the Beatles tribute band "The Liverpool Legends", along with the school's music department.

Balise Makes Donation to Help Open Pantry of Springfield
		Balise made a donation to the 2011 Mayflower Marathon, an annual food drive run by Bax and O'Brien of Rock102 WAQY. According to their website, Rock102 filled three 48-foot trailers and raised over $80,000 worth of food and donations for the Open Pantry in Springfield.

Balise Supports Rick's Place
		Balise recently made a donation to Rick's Place of Wilbraham, MA. Rick's Place is named in memory of Rick Thorpe, a loved husband, father, brother and son who lost his life in Tower Two of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. They provide bereavement support to grieving children and their families, offering a place to remember their loved ones and to avoid the sense of isolation that such a loss can produce. At Rick's Place, all group members share the experience of losing a close family member and can support one another with the help of facilitators.

Balise Supports Link to Libraries
		Balise recently made a donation to Link to Libraries of Holyoke, MA. Link To Libraries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in May 2008, whose mission is to collect and distribute new and gently used books to elementary school libraries and non-profit organizations and to enhance the language and literacy skills of children of all cultural backgrounds.

Balise Is Again a Silver Sponsor of Rays of Hope in 2011
		For the 6th straight year, Balise is proud to be a Silver Sponsor of the annual Rays of Hope "A Walk Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer". This year (2011) the walk was held on Sunday, October 23rd at Forest Park in Springfield and Energy Park in Greenfield. Balise employees were at the Springfield event manning a water station and others walked in support of the cause. Balise and its employees donated and raised more than $11,000 this year. Year after year, Balise associates look forward to helping to raise money for this worthwhile cause. To date, Balise and its associates have raised and donated more than $80,000 to Rays of Hope through pledges and various fundraisers including keychain sales, raffles, associate "pink and denim" dress-down days, bake sales and car washes. Visit the Rays of Hope website to learn more.

Balise Lexus Hosts Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Fashion Show
A model walks the catwalk during the Girls Just Wanna Have Fun fashion show at Balise Lexus.		The Balise Lexus service drive was transformed into a catwalk on the evening of October 27, 2011, as Balise hosted the 8th Girls Just Wanna Have Fun fashion show. The show was dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month and featured some models who were breast cancer survivors. Balise was happy to be able to host the event.

Balise Subaru Sponsors Providence Cyclo-Cross Festival
Race participants at the 2011 Providence Cyclo-Cross Festival.		The 2011 Providence Cyclo-Cross Festival was held at Roger Williams Park on October 7th-9th. Balise Subaru was happy to help make it happen. The event featured 2 days of UCI international racing, an outdoor trade show and exposition, an outdoor concert sponsored by WBRU and numerous events and featured for kids and families each day.

Isenberg Graduate Finds Innovative Way to Give Back
Steven Mitus, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer with Balise, presents an auto lease to Dean Mark A. Fuller of the Isenberg School of Management.		Credit graduate Steven M. Mitus ('82) for a generous, innovative way to give back to The Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. Thanks to Steve, his employer, Balise Auto Group, is providing Isenberg with a free auto lease for development travel and other alumni activities. "It was a really good fit: we sell autos and Isenberg spends a great deal of time on the road reaching out to its alumni," emphasizes Steve, who is Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer with Balise. A graduate of Isenberg's accounting department, Steve also contributed to a recently created professorship that honors Isenberg teaching legend Richard H. Simpson, one of Steve's former accounting professors. At Balise, Steve is responsible for finance, accounting, human resources, risk management, information systems and legal compliance. A Certified Public Accountant, he previously worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers in Springfield. Steve lives in Westfield with his wife and two daughters.

Balise Donates $20,000 to United Way and Red Cross to Aid Relief Efforts in Wake of Tornado
		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.

Balise Sponsors Warwick Youth Soccer
		Balise has signed on to sponsor 5 Warwick boys and girls soccer teams for 2011, continuing its support of local youth sports programs.

Balise Lexus and Lexus Champions for Charity Raise More Than $115,000 for Baystate Health Foundation
		Balise Lexus participated in the Lexus Champions for Charity event held on May 2, 2011 at The Ranch Golf Club in Southwick, Massachusetts. Balise Lexus once again partnered with The Baystate Children's Hospital Golf Tournament, which raised $115,599 for Baystate Children's Hospital. This was a nice improvement over last year's total amount raised of $104,435. Since its inception, this tournament has raised over $1 million for Baystate Children's Hospital. Proceeds from this event will help Baystate Children's Hospital provide the most advanced medical care in a family centered environment that focuses on the needs of kids of all ages. Baystate Children's Hospital serves the health care needs of children throughout Western Massachusetts.

Balise Sponsoring 7th Annual Wilbraham Peach Sundae Race and Fun Walk
		Balise is once again a sponsor of the Wilbraham Peach Sundae Road Race and Fun Walk, which is in its 7th year. The road race starts and ends at Soule Road School on Sunday, August, 21, 2011. The event is organized by the Knights of Columbus Council 10195. All proceeds from the event will be used for college scholarships for local high school seniors.

Balise Makes Donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of Rhode Island
		Balise recently donated 500 Pawtucket Red Sox tickets to the Rhode Island Boys & Girls Clubs to give kids a chance to see a professional baseball game. On Wednesday, June 1st at Balise Toyota in Warwick, Mike Balise presented the tickets to Lara D'Antuouno, Executive Director Boys & Girls Club of Warwick and Jim Hoyt, Executive Director Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket. Jason Rice, a relief pitcher with the PawSox and Paws the team's mascot were on hand. Balise is an official sponsor of the PawSox and Balise President Jeb Balise has long been a big supporter of children's charities and organizations that help kids and their families. "This was a perfect fit for us," said Balise. "We like to give to organizations that have an immediate impact on the everyday lives of families. The Boys & Girls Clubs are a perfect example of that. We pride ourselves on being a good corporate citizen and a good community neighbor. It's part of our culture and we're thrilled to do this."

Balise Honored by Springfield Technical Community College
		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.

Balise Presented Doug Flutie's Rock N' Hoops on April 15th
Doug Flutie's Rock 'N Hoops event raised more than $30,000		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.

Balise Makes Commitment to Baystate's "Hospital of the Future"
		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: a dedicated heart and vascular center new patient care units with spacious private rooms new emergency department, 70,000 square feet in size - 3 1/2 times the size of the current ED shell space for future growth

Balise Continues Participation in Mentoring Programs
Students from The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center		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 participation 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.

Balise Lexus Hosts Chamber After 5 Event
		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.

Balise Donates to Red Cross Disaster Relief
		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.

Balise Purchases Scoreboards for Agawam Little League
The 2nd electronic scoreboard donated to Agawam Little League by Balise was unveiled on opening day		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.

Balise Art Exhibit Raises $10,000 for Autism Speaks
The 2010 Art Exhibit at Balise Lexus was a huge success		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.

Balise Honda and Balise Lexus Receive Patriot Award
Balise Honda and Balise Lexus are presented with Patriot Awards		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.

Balise Announces Donation to West Springfield Schools
2nd Grade students from Fausey Elementary School in West Springfield, Massachusetts pose with their Smart Board.		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!

Balise Donates Furniture for STCC Veterans' Center Lounge
		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.

Balise Supports West Springfield Youth Arts Programs through Terriers Around Town
		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.

Balise Donates $25,000 to STCC Automotive Technology Department
		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."

Balise Sponsors YMCA Youth Sports
		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."

Mity Mite Hockey
		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.

Balise Sponsors West Springfield Skate Park
		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.

Balise Sponsors West Springfield and Westfield Youth Sports Teams
		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.

Balise Sponsors Numerous Charitable Golf Tournaments
		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.

Balise Supports Ronald McDonald House
		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.

Balise Supports Gray House of Springfield
		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.

Balise Supports Junior Achievement
		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.

Balise Supports Boys & Girls Club
		Balise has contributed to the Festival of Trees, a fundraising effort for the Boys and Girls Club of Springfield for the last 5 years.

Balise Supports Noble Hospital
		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.

Balise Supports Shriners Hospital
		Our donation and program ad for the Shriners Melha Shrine Circus at the Big E helped raise funds for the Shriners Hospital in Springfield.

Balise Community Action