FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Two local Fresno organizations have received over $50,000 in donations during the Share the Love event in Lithia Subaru of Fresno.
Officials with Lithia Subaru of Fresno say customers can select one of four national charities and two local hometown charities. The Marjaree Mason Center as well as the Down Syndrome Association were the hometown selections this year.
The Marjaree Mason Center received a donation of $31,000 and the Down Syndrome Association received $23,342.
Jennifer Whiting with the Down Syndrome Association says these funds will help to open a new program that allows individuals with Down syndrome to showcase their abilities and learn social skills.
“This year, the proceeds have helped us open a new program, which is supported by individuals with Down syndrome,” she said. “They run a screen printing program for us, not only showcasing their abilities and value in the workforce but also giving them an opportunity to learn vocational and social skills and get out in the community.”
Nicole Linder with the Marjaree Mason Center says the organization has answered over 4,700 calls to their hotline since October 2023, and the funds will allow them to help individuals experiencing domestic violence.
“This donation helps us ensure that we are able to provide emergency safety and shelter to individuals in our community who are experiencing domestic violence,” she said.
According to Lithia Subaru officials, their service department donates $5 per customer repair order and their sales department donates $325 per new vehicle sold or leased. This year’s donation will make over a half million dollars donated to local organizations in the 12 years they have been involved in the event.